I n August 1914, millions of men from a wide variety of social, professional and cultural backgrounds were called up. The general mobilization then generates an unprecedented cultural mix. Each mobilized has a patois, a culture, traditions specific to his region or his profession.

Troops mobilized in the army zone are subject to extreme conditions. The fighters need adapted words to think, to translate these upheavals and to communicate with the rear. The homeland, for its part, needs to be reassured about the fate of its children.

Slang is a marker of belonging to the community of combat troops. This one also gives, vis-à-vis the back, relief to a daily life often characterized by boredom and repetition. Finally, it allows hairy people to distance themselves from the violent aspects and the harshness of their condition.

The vocabulary alternately borrows words from the military world or from provincial slang. It is also the time when words known in the colonies since the 19th century are widely disseminated.

D uring the conflict, lexicons of the vocabulary of the soldiers appeared to inform the rear, which was unaware of life at the front. Some authors of these come from the world of fighters.

The literature on the subject of the Great War will also use these terms from the trenches. Many will enter the dictionaries after the conflict.

A century later, many of these terms have now passed into everyday language and we use them without knowing their roots in the mud of the trenches.

The exhibition is visible during the museum’s usual hours until August 26, 2022.

On Saturday 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 19 September from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as every year, the fort opens its doors to you on the occasion of European Heritage Days.

You can explore the sites on your own or, accompanied by a guide from the association, set off to discover the fort and its history. Construction, operation, role played during the battle of Maubeuge will have no more secrets for you!

SATURDAY 18/09: Guided tours at 3.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m.

SUNDAY 19/09: Guided tours at 10:30 a.m. / 2:30 p.m. / 3:30 p.m. / 4:30 p.m.

FREE ADMISSION

Guided tours will be offered if the health situation allows it on the dates of the event.

– Compulsory sanitary pass.
-Hydro-alcoholic gel is available to visitors upon entering.
– Wearing a mask is compulsory on the site.
-In case of high attendance, access to the museum will be regulated.

September 7, 1914, the fort suffered a terrible bombardment during the battle of Maubeuge. 107 years ago today, 120 men lost their lives during this tragic day. This morning, like every year, we were gathered to remember their sacrifice. Before this ceremony, another took place at the level of the cutting room at the entrance of the fort. This was in memory of sapper Ernest Delalain, who died at the fort on May 19, 1940. Usually, this ceremony takes place on the anniversary date, but this year, it was impossible in the spring given the health restrictions.