1:72 - WW1 - Tourelle Mougin - 2x 155mm from Bange

History of the Tourelle Mougin

After France's defeat during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871, the French army undertook a modernization of its defensive system under the direction of General Séré de Rivières. This new system aims to protect the borders with a series of stronger, more efficient weapons.

It was in this context that engineer Émile Mougin designed, in 1876, a battle turret designed to house 155 mm guns. Its main advantage lies in its cast iron shielding up to 30 cm thick, capable of resisting enemy shells. Mounted on a swivel system, it allows a 360° shot while protecting artillery servants.

These turrets were installed from the 1880s in several forts of the Séré de Rivières system, including those located on the eastern and northern borders. However, with the rapid evolution of artillery and the appearance of more powerful explosive shells, they gradually became obsolete at the beginning of the twentieth century. During the First World War, they were still being used, but their effectiveness was limited to new armaments.

Today, some of these turrets remain in forts in France, testifying to the ingenuity of the military defences of the time.