Several battles were fought in the area of the Redoute Ruinnée, including a large one 1794. Between 1892 and 1894 the French constructed a small fort here, called Redoute Ruinnée or ruined redoubt. It was called after the Piemontese defenses of 1794, but it was an omen for its final destiny. In 1940 the small fort was defended by a group of 47 men under lieutenant Dessertaux. His group defended the fort against several Italian attacks in June 1940. After the Armistice the French troops left the fort, taking with them the flag. In 1945 the situation was reversed. Redoute Ruinnée was occupied by German and Italian mountain troops. Despite heavy bombardments with 75 and 155 mm guns, which damaged the fort, the French attackers, once again under command of Dessertaux, weren't able to take the redoubt. Only when the Germans retreated could the French occupy the heavily damaged fort. Dessertaux had the honour to hoist the flag.