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 title describes the destructive events of this pivotal First World War battle.
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 title describes the destructive events of this pivotal First World War battle.
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
William Martin served in Naval Intelligence for many
years and now living in Charente, France, where he devotes his time
to military history and cognac. A regular contributor to a number
of military and current affairs journals, he is now writing a new
biography of Marshal Petain. This is his first book for Osprey.
Howard Gerrard studied at the Wallasey School of Art and has
been a freelance designer and illustrator for over 20 years. He has
won both the Society of British Aerospace Companies Award and the
Wilkinson Sword Trophy and has illustrated a number of books for
Osprey including Campaign 69: Nagashino 1575 and Campaign 72:
Jutland 1916. Howard lives and works in Kent.
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