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Fort Breendonk is a military fortification situated in Breendonk, near Mechelen, in Belgium which is best known for its role as a Nazi prison camp during the German occupation of Belgium during World War II. The fort was originally built in 1906 as part of the second ring of defenses of the ''Réduit national'' protecting the important port-city of Antwerp.〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.memorialmuseums.org/eng/denkmaeler/view/106/Nationale-Gedenkst%C3%A4tte-Fort-Breendonk )〕 It was covered by a five-metre thick layer of soil for defense against bombings, a water-filled moat and measured . During the Second World War, the fort was used by the Germans as a prison camp for detaining Belgian political dissidents, captured resistance members and Jews. Many were tortured or executed within the camp. Today, the site is a national memorial and museum and can be visited. == World War I == Belgium was invaded in August 1914 by the German army after refusing its request of unhindered passage to northern France. The invasion began on August 4, 1914. Eager to reach Paris as soon as possible, the German army concentrated all its efforts towards the south, ignoring Antwerp. Continued Belgian resistance from the north forced German command to attack Antwerp. On September 9, General Beseler was ordered to attack Antwerp. Siege artillery was sent north, having precipitated the fall of Namur and Maubeuge. Fort Breendonk was first attacked on October 1, 1914 by howitzers located 5 to 6 km out of range of the fort's own guns. The Germans breached Belgian lines in Lier. The German army could attack Antwerp while avoiding Fort Breendonk. On October 9, Fort Breendonk surrendered after the fall of Antwerp. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Fort Breendonk」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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