Schwaben Redoubt - Construction

Construction

Schwaben redoubt began in early 1915 as a small network of trenches known as the Schwaben Schanze (earthworks) on high ground, roughly 700 metres (770 yd) north of the village of Thiepval. It was connected by trenches to other locations including Mouquet Farm, frontline trenches near Thiepval wood and to Thiepval village. During 1915 the German front trench system was strengthened with an intermediate zone of strongpoints. Schwaben redoubt dominated the high ground in the vicinity of Thiepval to the south and St Pierre Divion to the north-west. The redoubts (which included Stuff and Pommiers redoubts) had observation in all directions and a garrison that could reinforce the front line or deliver a counterattack. The redoubt had deep dug-outs for accommodation (with multiple entrances), a battalion command post, first aid post, signalling station and strongpoints with three heavy machine guns and four light machine guns. The redoubt was triangular, with an extension to the east across the Thiepval–Grandcourt road and had a frontage of around 500 metres (550 yd). The area was garrisoned by troops of 99th Reserve Infantry Regiment, German 26th Reserve Division commanded by Major General Franz Ludwig Freiherr von Soden.