Before World War One started the Germans reinforced the Western front of Metz. They expected a large-scale offensive from Verdun, the main French fortress. However during the war it became clear that the front near Verdun wouldn't move very much. The Germans were sure that the French would search for other ways to attack Metz and started to reinforce the Southern front with small bunkers. This bunker was camouflaged to look like a fountain. It was armed with one machine-gun, while the other embrasure was used for the observation.