Schwaben Redoubt

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The Schwaben Redoubt lies between the Thiepval Memorial and the Ulster tower. Consisting of a mass of gun emplacements, trenches and tunnels, this warren of defensive works helped anchor the German line on the Somme. It was assaulted on July 1, 1916, the opening day of the British Somme Offensive, by the 109th Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Division. Although they attained a foothold in the redoubt, the men of the 109th Brigade were ultimately forced to retire. The redoubt then remained in German hands until late September, all the while helping to prevent the British capture of the fortress-village of Thiepval.

During assaults that lasted from September 26-8 as part of the Battle of Thiepval Ridge, the British finally succeeded in both wresting control of Thiepval from the Germans, and securing a permanent lodgment in the Schwaben Redoubt. This success came courtesy, in large measure, of the 18th Division's 54th Brigade. By the evening of September 28, most of the redoubt was in British hands, although the Germans held on to the north face until October 14, 1916, when it was captured by the 39th Division's 118th Brigade. By all accounts, the fighting here was simply dreadful.

[edit] German strong points

The schwaben redoubt was not the only strong point the Germans made on the battlefield of the Somme.

  • Wonder work
  • Leipzig salient
  • Pommiers redoubt
  • Glatz redoubt

[edit] See also

[edit] External links


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