October 2025, Fort Eben-Emael, Liège, Belgium. I am exploring the great Belgian fortress of Eben-Emael. In May 1940, this was the site of one of the boldest, most dramatic actions in military history. A handful of German glider-borne assault engineers neutralised the most powerful fortress in Europe in under twenty-four hours, using a weapon no defender had encountered before.
October 2024. Waterloo, Belgium. I have been here before, but this visit was far more comprehensive. Standing on the Mont-Saint-Jean ridge, the key feature is the reverse slope. From the French side, you don’t see much of Wellington’s position. The crest blocks your view, and everything behind it disappears. That’s where the bulk of the British infantry was positioned, out of sight and largely protected from artillery.
October 2025, Liege, Belgium. I am visiting the ring of great forts that once protected the Belgian city of Liège. In the 1880s, the Belgians constructed a series of forts to protect Liège against a potential German attack.
The twelve forts of Liege could cover the approaches and support the neighbouring forts. The forts are: Fort Liers, Pontisse, Barchon, Evegnee, Fléron, Chaudfontaine, d’Embourg, Boncelles, Flemalle, Hollogne, Loncin, and Lantin.