Redoubt 3
The earthworks today appear to be giant molehills. But it took complex engineering to construct them.
A deep ditch was excavated in front, to slow an attacking enemy. The dirt was heaped into gabions — baskets of interwoven branches. Bundles of branches called fascines were piled outside and inside the wall to protect the defenders, then the entire work was usually covered with sod to absorb cannon fire.
Redoubt 3
The earthworks today appear to be giant molehills. But it took complex engineering to construct them.
A deep ditch was excavated in front, to slow an attacking enemy. The dirt was heaped into gabions — baskets of interwoven branches. Bundles of branches called fascines were piled outside and inside the wall to protect the defenders, then the entire work was usually covered with sod to absorb cannon fire.