BATTLE OF VERDUN: FEB 1916

Battle of Verdun

(February –December 1916)

The Battle of Verdun was the longest battle of WW1 lasting over 300 days.

In December 1915, Germany’s von Falkenhayn recognised that whilst the French army remained strong, Germany was unlikely to defeat the British. His aim therefore was to crush the French thereby opening the door to defeat the British.

His plan, called Operation Gericht sought to attack the various forts (large and small) located around the fortress city of Verdun. Verdun was regarded as important both strategically and also symbolically as the French had historically established significant fortifications here. He believed that a decisive victory would break the spirit of the Allies.

On 21st February 1916 von Falkenhayn deployed his divisions to attack Verdun. Whilst many French troops had in fact been already moved elsewhere, they still managed to put up a good fight against the Germans. Despite this, early in the battle it seemed as if the French would lose until Petain was put in charge of the French attack.

Petain brought in additional guns and used these to effectively counter-attack the German attack. He also placed great importance on logistics and recognised that the Sacred Way (“the Voie Sacree”) [a narrow gauge railway] should be retained and protected at all costs as this would offer a continued route for French equipment and troops to reach the front. These factors would result in the longest battle event in WW1 – a war of attrition as opposing troops attempted to make ground against the other side with the consequent highest losses of life on both sides.

Battle Plan of Verdun

Verdun