Hindenburg Line

German western line of World War I fortifications running from Arras, through Cambrai and St Quentin, to Soissons, built 1916-17. Part of the line was taken by the British in the third battle of Arras, but it generally resisted attack until the British offensive of summer 1918.

The fortifications were designed to give the German Army a shorter and more easily held line in the west, allowing them to hold off the Anglo-French attack while dealing a decisive blow to Russia. The main positions were on reverse slopes, with the advance positions on forward slopes and all were protected by artillery.