With Belgium in their hands after less than five months of war, German forces set of fortifications along the flanders coast in 1914 to Forestall any attempt by the allies to counter attack from the sea. Here is a sample of what British Naval guns did to some of these fortifications at Ostend. Battered up to ruins are the defense works so hurriedly put up by the Germans. Allied commanders in the current war believe that German tacticians will again attempt to take the coast along here and use points thereon as bases for air attacks on England and allied shipping in the English Channel.

Photo is dated 1939.

Photo measures 8.5 x 6.75 inches.