Maizeret was upgraded in the 1930s to become part of the fortified position of Namur in an attempt to forestall or slow an attack from Germany.

The Fort de Maizeret is located about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) east of the center of Namur.

The principal armament was concentrated in the central massif, closely grouped in a solid mass of concrete.

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 Namur), with lesser protection than the front and "salient" sides.

[5] The three forts on the right bank of the Meuse were linked by a military railway, with a repair shop for the rolling stock at Maizeret.

[7][8] The fort's heavy guns were German, typically Krupp, while the turret mechanisms were from a variety of sources.

[8] In the summer of 1914 the Fort de Maizeret was under the command of Captain-Commandant Poncelet,[7] with about 400 men.

Maizeret was abandoned by Poncelet and his garrison on 22 August, its ability to resist destroyed by the heavy German artillery.

[9][10] Maizeret's armament was upgraded in the 1930s to become part of the Fortified Position of Namur, which was planned to deter a German incursion over the nearby border.

This was accompanied by improvements to ventilation, protection, sanitary facilities, communications and electrical power.

On the 15th Maizeret fired in support of the Fort de Marchovelette, but was inactive on the following two days.