Deadly Crossfire

If enemy troops landed on the beach and started across the moat, they would be caught in a crossfire from howitzers in the bastions extending outward from the fort's six exterior walls. These technologically advanced bastions were designed for 71 howitzers. The howitzers could fire canisters that spewed golf ball-sized iron balls in a shotgun pattern along the exterior walls or up to 150 yards over the moat and beach into the sea. If attacking soldiers reached the moat, the 24-pound flank defense howitzer cannon in each flanking bastion could spray a devastating curtain of fire.