Fort IV "Optyń"

Created on the basis of source materials by - Author: Tomasz Trojnar

The modernization and Expansion of the Fort IV Optyn was done in years 1897-1900. It was situated on a 322 meter high hill that is about 4 kilometers away from Przemyśl, south from Pikulice village. It main purpose was to protect the 7th southern section of defence, especially the road and railway tracks to Dobromil.

It is a single-shaft artillery fort built on years 1854-1857. It was modernised in years 1881-190. It was biult on the plan of a bastion with a dry moat in which coops are located. In the earthworks are located cross-bared shelters. bottle-necked barracks were connected with the main shelter located in the centre of the fort.

It was an armored fort, single-shafted that was given a very strong arm in the form of 4 guns cal. 80 mm, 8 guns cal. 120 mm, 6 guns cal. 150 mm, 12 machine guns.

In the night from7th to8th of October 1914, as a result of a strong artilery fire and unexpected attack, Russian army approached the fort to approximately 300 meters distance. In many hours of the fight 1800 Russian soldiers died, the casualties of the fort soldiers were 20 dead, 2 missing and 75 injured. Fort IV Optyn was cooperating very closely with Fort III Luczyce. With the fire of its guns it flanked forelands of Luczyce and Grochowce forts.

Creator of the text: Jacek Dzik

Bibliography and references:

Forester Franz - Twierdza Przemyśl, Warszawa 2000 r.
Idzikowski Tomasz - Forty Twierdzy Przemyśl, Przemyśl 2001 r.
Idzikowski Tomasz - Twierdza Przemyśl
Mini przewodnik, Przemyśl 2005 r.
Różański Jan - Forty Twierdzy Przemyśl, Przemyśl 1980 r.

The author of photos: Dariusz Strycharski