with the exception of the fort de loncin, the belgian forts made little provision for the daily needs of their wartime garrisons, locating latrines, showers, kitchens and the morgue in the fort's counterscarp, a location that would be untenable in combat. this would have profound effects on the forts' ability to endure a long assault. the service areas were placed directly opposite the barracks, which opened into the ditch in the rear of the fort (i.e., in the face towards liège), with lesser protection than the two "salient" sides. the brialmont forts placed a weaker side to the rear to allow for recapture by belgian forces from the rear, and located the barracks and support facilities on this side, using the rear ditch for light and ventilation of living spaces. in combat heavy shellfire made the rear ditch untenable, and german forces were able to get between the forts and attack them from the rear.