This view shows the internal workings of a twin 135mm mortar bunker on the Maginot Line in France. The weapon, built in a retractable turret with adjacent observation posts and machine-gun cupolas, was virtually immune to enemy fire when not in use, but devastating when deployed. The engineering of the Maginot line has a certain art-deco appearance to it and due to its well-considered, mechanical design, many of these positions are easily restored to working order.
As the bunker was impenetrable from the surface, access to this gun block is via the main entrance and through several kilometers of tunnels. This subterranean network would supply the position with rations, munitions, and personnel, from 30m below the ground. Few seem to venture this deep into the fortress, this is evident by the amount of life and spent ammunition that can be seen on the floor.
