Post by larryc1 on Oct 14, 2019 17:52:22 GMT
This line of 50+ fortifications and bunkers was constructed as a component of the Maginot Line and was intended to defend France's border with Italy. (Italy built a corresponding series of defences called 'Vallo Alpino'.) These lines covered the territory from Switzerland to the Mediterranean, guarding mountain passes through which an invading army must pass.
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It is interesting to note that, unlike the Maginot Line, these 'ouvrages' (works) employed mainly mortars, machine guns, flame throwers and artillery as the territory was not condusive to tank warfare and consequently few anti-tank guns were emplaced.
The Alpine line sucessfully repelled an attempted Italian invasion along the coastal highway in June, 1940. The ouvrages which saw action have red place markers.
Parts of the line served into the cold war era.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_Line
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Alpine_Line_ouvrages
Alpine Line Little Maginot Line 1928 - 1940..kmz (6.14 KB)
.
It is interesting to note that, unlike the Maginot Line, these 'ouvrages' (works) employed mainly mortars, machine guns, flame throwers and artillery as the territory was not condusive to tank warfare and consequently few anti-tank guns were emplaced.
The Alpine line sucessfully repelled an attempted Italian invasion along the coastal highway in June, 1940. The ouvrages which saw action have red place markers.
Parts of the line served into the cold war era.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpine_Line
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Alpine_Line_ouvrages
Alpine Line Little Maginot Line 1928 - 1940..kmz (6.14 KB)