Osprey Campaign 93 : Verdun 1916 : 'They Shall Not Pass'

On 21 February 1916 German General Erich von Falkenhayn unleashed his hammer-blow offensive against the French fortress city of Verdun. His aim was nothing short of the destruction of the French army. Falkenhayn was sure that the symbolic value of Verdun was such that the French would be 'compelled to throw in every man they have.'. He was equally sure that 'if they do so the forces of France will bleed to death.'. The massed batteries of German guns would smash the French troops in their trenches and bunkers. But the French hung on with immense courage and determination and the battle became a bloody war of attrition. This book describes the destructive events of this pivotal First World War battle. Verdun was the bloodiest battle between the French and German Forces during the First World War. Until Stalingrad, Verdun was a byword in Germany for senseless slaughter. It could fairly be said to have equivalent emotional resonance as the Somme in Britain. French attitudes are becoming similar, but Verdun was and is, symbolic of France's resistance. Some 300,000 Frenchman died at Verdun, but they stopped the German invasion. Text by William Martin with illustrations by Howard Gerrard.

Contents

• Origins of the Battle
• Opposing Commanders
• The Armies - The German Army
• The Armies - The French Army
• Opposing Plans
• The Battle
• Aftermath
• Chronology
• Bibliography
• The Battlefield Today
• Index