Only some light and heavy machine gun positions were installed to support the infantry of the 12th Division.

During the first days of the conflict, the 12th's units saw elements of the French 7th army pass through its positions on their way to the Netherlands.

As the Germans closed in, the order was given to abandon the Antwerp Position due to the French defeat in Sedan.

The 12th was to regroup behind the Scheldt river, and then proceed to a reserve position at the Leie canal near Ursel.

This withdrawal was seriously delayed due to intensive Luftwaffe bombing of remaining Belgian railway infrastructure.