page_title: Ouvrage Billig
section_title: History
hierarchical_section_title: Ouvrage Billig / History
caption_attribution_description: English: Filter room at the entrace to Ouvrage Billig Français&#160;: Salle des filtres de l'Entrée mixte de l'Ouvrage du Billig
context_page_description: Ouvrage Billig, a gros ouvrage or large fortification of the Maginot Line, was located in the Fortified Sector of Thionville, Moselle in northern France. It is located between the gros ouvrages Metrich and Hackenberg, facing Germany. It saw relatively little action during World War II and after a period of reserve duty in the 1950s, was abandoned in the 1970s.
context_section_description: Billig was not subjected to significant attack by the Wehrmacht in 1940, although an aerial bomb penetrated the 81mm mortar turret in Block 6 on 15 June, killing two. The area around Billig did not become active until late June 1940, but German infiltration persisted until the June 25 armistice. Billig fired 2030 75mm shots in support of Hackenberg on the 24th. After the armistice Billig was used for explosive effects testing by the Germans. Blocks 1 and 2 and the magazine of Block 5 were subjected to projectile penetration tests and gas explosions. Block 2's turret was blasted into the air, falling back into its opening.  
  Billig was assaulted by the U.S. 90th Infantry Division in September 1944 and captured after two days of fighting, using close-assault tactics. Following capture, Billig was used for ordnance testing by the U.S. Army.  Following the war, the Maginot Line was viewed as a means of slowing an advance by Warsaw Pact forces and most of the northeastern positions were renovated and rearmed.  Replacement of 75mm guns with 105mm guns was proposed for Billig. However, the program was abandoned, and after a period of routine maintenance, Billig's status was lowered to inactive reserve, and finally abandoned.
  Billig is abandoned and vandalized, with openings closed off to prevent access. The above ground installations remain visible.
caption: Filter room at the entrance to Ouvrage Billig in October 2004
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