In
permanent fortifications a casemate was a vaulted masonry chamber within
a rampart or wall. In field fortifications a casemate was a stoutly constructed
bomb-proof enclosure attached to the interior side of a parapet for the purpose
of protecting an embrasured gun position. Casemates in permanent fortifications
were used for a variety of purposes that included embrasured or loop-holed
gun positions on the flanks of bastions, curtains, and in caponnieres, storerooms
and powder magazines, and quarters for the garrison. Mortar casemates that
were opened for vertical fire were also used in many polygonal system
fortifications.
In
permanent fortifications a casemate was a vaulted masonry chamber within
a rampart or wall. In field fortifications a casemate was a stoutly constructed
bomb-proof enclosure attached to the interior side of a parapet for the purpose
of protecting an embrasured gun position. Casemates in permanent fortifications
were used for a variety of purposes that included embrasured or loop-holed
gun positions on the flanks of bastions, curtains, and in caponnieres, storerooms
and powder magazines, and quarters for the garrison. Mortar casemates that
were opened for vertical fire were also used in many polygonal system
fortifications.
