The south moat of Vaux Fort in May 1916.
Occupying the village, they held the head of Bazil ravine. Their plan was to outflank the fort simultaneously on the West by Fumin ravine and wood and on the South-East by Horgne ravine.
On June 1st, in front of Damloup, their attack failed, but in the centre the bombardment overwhelmed and almost buried the 6th French Division which barred the Bazil ravine.
Deploying from the ravine the enemy advanced through Fumin wood.
On June 2nd, after the fall of Damloup, the enemy progressed through Horgne ravine. The fort, pounded by a storm of 210, 380, and 420 shells was threatened simultaneously from 3 sides, and closely besieged. Survivors from the trenches at hand took refuge in the fort. In the redoubt to the west of the fort a handful of foot-soldiers of the 101st died fighting to the last man.
The Germans reorganised on the flanks of the hill and repulsed all counter-attacks.
Vaux Fort: the north moat has been half filled in; the casemates which guard it.
On the horizon, Douaumont fort.