Fort Driant

The first attempt against Fort Driant was made on 27 September by the 2d Battalion, nth Infantry, jth Division. This hurriedly planned attack proved abortive, primarily because the strength of the objective was not fully appreciated. Located on the dominant height in the area south of Metz, Fort Driant was one of the most important elements of the fortifications which encircled the city. It consisted of four casemates and a central fort whose concrete walls were 7 feet thick and whose various components were connected by a labyrinth of underground tunnels. Wire obstacles and a dry moat, 60 feet wide and 30 feet deep, surrounded the over-all complex. 

Cole, Lorraine Campaign, pp. is7 71- This volume contains an excellent description of the Fort Driant action. 

One of the handicaps under which the 8ist Battalion operated in front of Fort Driant was the high incidence of mortar breakage. Not only did the weaker parts of the mortar (the recoil slides and elevating screws) give way, but the sturdier components (the base plates and the... 

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