After the liberation in September 1944, the frontline came to a halt just north of the town and the Germans bombarded Sittard relentlessly. During this 'shelling period' from October 1944 to January 1945, hundreds of inhabitants found refuge in the underground passages. Life and death were closely intertwined in those days. This is evident from the birth of a child. For a moment, the fortress even served as a delivery room.