1. Composition

The fortification of Antwerpen or 'De versterkte stelling Antwerpen' was considered the 'reduit national' or national stronghold. The government would move to Antwerpen whenever the capital, Brussel, was under threat. Antwerpen with its arsenals, hospitals and warehouses was also the supply base of the Belgian army.

An initial defence line was build from brick between 1859 and 1879, following the designs of Général Brialmont, only 5 to 6 km away from the city. It consisted of eight fortresses (numbered 1 to 8) and the fortress Merksem on the right bank of the river. Also the fortresses Kruibeke, Zwijndrecht and Ste Marie on the left river bank.

A new, more powerful, line of resistance (further away, 10 to 15 km) was build between 1870 and 1914. It consisted of more than 30 fortresses and small redoubts. All build in non reinforced concrete. In august 1914 however this new defence line wasn't completed, some cupolas were not yet concreted in, and the supply of ammunition was low. (The 15 cm canons disposed only of 800 shells)

More information regarding the history and design can be found at: The Belgian fortress of Antwerp - 1914 and at The Royal Naval Division and the siege of Antwerp, october 1914

The fortress Walem, build in 1891, reinforced in 1911.

2. Troupes de Forteresse

(Situation august 1, 1914)