Editing Siegfried Line (section)

=== Limes ===
[[File:Westwall colorized.jpg|thumb|Type 10 Limes programme bunker seen from the rear]]

The [[Limes (Roman Empire)|Limes]] programme began in 1938 following an order by Hitler to strengthen fortifications on the western German border. ''Limes'' refers to the former borders of the [[Roman Empire]]; the cover story for the programme was that it was an archaeological study.

Its Type 10 bunkers were more strongly constructed than the earlier border fortifications. These had {{convert|1.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} thick ceilings and walls. A total of 3,471 were built along the entire length of the Siegfried Line. They featured a central room or shelter for 10–12 men with a [[stepped embrasure]] facing backwards and a combat section {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on}} higher. This elevated section had embrasures at the front and sides for machine guns. More embrasures were provided for [[rifleman|riflemen]], and the entire structure was constructed so as to be safe against [[poison gas]].

Heating was from a safety oven, the chimney of which was covered with a thick grating. Space was tight, with about {{convert|1|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} per soldier, who was given a sleeping-place and a [[stool (seat)|stool]]; the commanding officer had a chair. Surviving examples still retain signs warning "Walls have ears" and "Lights out when embrasures are open!"