Built between 1881 and 1884 and then reinforced in 1888 with a special layer of concrete that would resist explosives, Fort Vaux was modernised between 1904 and 1906 with a 75mm gun turret, observation posts, three counterscarp galleries and two casemates, each one fitted with two 75mm guns.

It looked out over Ravin de Vaux and Woëvre plain and was flanked by neighbouring Fort Douaumont, Fort Vaux became the next target and for two months it resisted a daily onslaught of eight thousand shells.

But overcome with thirst - they had not had a drop to drink for two days -, Major Raynal and his men surrendered to the enemy on 7th June 1916.

On 2nd November 1916, the French soldiers recaptured the Fort.