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Origin and history

The Fort de la Pompelle was built between 1880 and 1883 as part of the Séré de Rivières defensive system, designed after the 1870 war to protect Reims. Originally named Fort Herbillon, it was renamed in reference to a local procession. With 155 mm and 138 mm guns, it housed a garrison of 277 gunners and reinforced the fortified belt alongside other works such as those of Montbré or Nogent-l-Abbesse.

During World War I, the fort became a strategic point after its reconquest by the 138th Infantry Regiment in September 1914. Despite intense German bombings and repeated attacks, he resisted thanks to the engagement of 180 regiments, including two Russian brigades sent in 1916. Between 1,500 and 2,000 soldiers stationed there under extreme conditions, supported by the National Navy and the 1st Colonial Army Corps.

Abandoned after 1918, the fort was saved from sale in 1955 by veterans' associations, then symbolically ceded to the city of Reims. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1951 and 1952, it has been home to a museum with unique collections since 1972, such as 560 German hairdressers or artifacts from the Great War. A Russian memorial, inaugurated in 2010, honours the 17,000 Russian soldiers hired in Reims between 1916 and 1917.

The site, renovated for the centenary of 1914-1918, now offers exhibitions on military history, trench crafts and aviation. Its role in the defence of Reims and its resistance symbolize the heroism of French and allied soldiers during the conflict.

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