Friday, September 9, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
Friday, July 1, 2016
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
First Phase Verdun
February 21-28, 1916
Verdun was a series of forts along the Northern border of France. At the beginning of 1916, it was deemed to be a "quiet zone" by the French.
The German Army, however, was carefully planning and preparing for a battle in front of Verdun. Their assumption was that the French reserves which would be easily destroyed, if German artillery could be brought to bear on them. Consequently, the Germans spent weeks prior to the opening of the battle, clearing their ground of French civilians, building rail lines and bringing up large amounts of guns and ammunition. A special force of flamethrower companies was also brought up.
Meanwhile, the French command was stripping the area around Verdun in favor of operations around Champagne. Some forts were demolished to prevent them from falling into German hands. Other defensive positions were manned by skeleton crews. At first, General Joffre believed any activity around Verdun was a diversion. As the battle drew closer, the French moved up some troops to enable defensive operations.
As the German artillery offensive opened on the morning February 21, the massive bombardment could be heard 100 miles away. at mid-day, the Germans paused, hoping the French infantry would show themselves and the French obliged. Along with resumed artillery, flame throwers and storm troops using hand grenades devastated the French defenders.
By the 22nd, the French high command was becoming aware of the seriousness of the attack. French resistance stiffened, but the Germans were able to make planned advances, until poor weather, alternating snow and thaw, made transport of the vital German field guns to forward positions impossible.
The German advance had lengthened their supply lines, but shortened those of the French. A convoy of trucks were cobbled up to supply French artillery, which served to even the casualties as the German infantry pushed forward.
Here is a wonderful contemporary panorama photograph of the scene of battle
Verdun was a series of forts along the Northern border of France. At the beginning of 1916, it was deemed to be a "quiet zone" by the French.
The German Army, however, was carefully planning and preparing for a battle in front of Verdun. Their assumption was that the French reserves which would be easily destroyed, if German artillery could be brought to bear on them. Consequently, the Germans spent weeks prior to the opening of the battle, clearing their ground of French civilians, building rail lines and bringing up large amounts of guns and ammunition. A special force of flamethrower companies was also brought up.
Meanwhile, the French command was stripping the area around Verdun in favor of operations around Champagne. Some forts were demolished to prevent them from falling into German hands. Other defensive positions were manned by skeleton crews. At first, General Joffre believed any activity around Verdun was a diversion. As the battle drew closer, the French moved up some troops to enable defensive operations.
As the German artillery offensive opened on the morning February 21, the massive bombardment could be heard 100 miles away. at mid-day, the Germans paused, hoping the French infantry would show themselves and the French obliged. Along with resumed artillery, flame throwers and storm troops using hand grenades devastated the French defenders.
By the 22nd, the French high command was becoming aware of the seriousness of the attack. French resistance stiffened, but the Germans were able to make planned advances, until poor weather, alternating snow and thaw, made transport of the vital German field guns to forward positions impossible.
The German advance had lengthened their supply lines, but shortened those of the French. A convoy of trucks were cobbled up to supply French artillery, which served to even the casualties as the German infantry pushed forward.
Here is a wonderful contemporary panorama photograph of the scene of battle
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Fall Offensive - Western Front
September-October 1915
A major offensive, planned by Joffre, is gets underway on September 25th along the French/Belgium frontier.
Second Champagne - 27 French Divisions, 900 heavy field guns and 1600 light guns are in place to start a push against 7 German divisions on the German left near Verdun.
Third Artois - On the German right, nearer the channel, seventeen French divisions face-off against 2 German.
Loos - North of the Artois line, six divisions of British forces under the command of Sir John French, face only one German.
The great lesson of this offensive is the advantage that goes to an army well experienced in defensive operations. Elaborate trench systems had been dug and machine guns emplaced making any advance in this sector a very expensive proposition for the allies. And political considerations work against them, also.
Lord Kirschner, hearing rumors that a supreme commander may be appointed and wanting the sinecure for himself, commits his army to an effort he doesn't believe can succeed. The field commanders of both armies are also sceptical. Initial success on all three fronts are soon turned back by the Germans, due to a combination of communication limitations, bad luck and experience on the part of the defenders.
At Champagne, after an intense artillery preparation, the French penetrate quickly through the first line of defense, only to have the shells intended for second line Germans fall on their heads. The Germans enjoy defensive success against the French at Artois and Joffre secretly decides that that front is a side show, but purposefully neglects to inform his British allies operating in the same general area.
The British make progress through both the first and second lines of Germans and a way opens into the German rear. But, General French had placed his reserve too far away to strike quickly and precious hours are lost. Machine guns moved into the breach take a terrible toll and result in 8,000 British dead against no German losses. The Germans, sick of the carnage, hold the field but don't contest the British retreat.
Another British casualty is General Sir John French, who is replaced by one of the most controversial generals of the war, Sir Douglas Haig. Haig is promoted from a corps commander to commander in chief of the BEF. This very year, the gung ho Haig says "The machine gun is a much overrated weapon." WTF?! Haig will be in command for the coming battles of the Somme and Passchendale.
The offensive has cost the French 190,000 casualties, the British 60,000 and the Germans 140,000. Very little is changed on the field.
A major offensive, planned by Joffre, is gets underway on September 25th along the French/Belgium frontier.
Second Champagne - 27 French Divisions, 900 heavy field guns and 1600 light guns are in place to start a push against 7 German divisions on the German left near Verdun.
Third Artois - On the German right, nearer the channel, seventeen French divisions face-off against 2 German.
Loos - North of the Artois line, six divisions of British forces under the command of Sir John French, face only one German.
The great lesson of this offensive is the advantage that goes to an army well experienced in defensive operations. Elaborate trench systems had been dug and machine guns emplaced making any advance in this sector a very expensive proposition for the allies. And political considerations work against them, also.
Lord Kirschner, hearing rumors that a supreme commander may be appointed and wanting the sinecure for himself, commits his army to an effort he doesn't believe can succeed. The field commanders of both armies are also sceptical. Initial success on all three fronts are soon turned back by the Germans, due to a combination of communication limitations, bad luck and experience on the part of the defenders.
At Champagne, after an intense artillery preparation, the French penetrate quickly through the first line of defense, only to have the shells intended for second line Germans fall on their heads. The Germans enjoy defensive success against the French at Artois and Joffre secretly decides that that front is a side show, but purposefully neglects to inform his British allies operating in the same general area.
The British make progress through both the first and second lines of Germans and a way opens into the German rear. But, General French had placed his reserve too far away to strike quickly and precious hours are lost. Machine guns moved into the breach take a terrible toll and result in 8,000 British dead against no German losses. The Germans, sick of the carnage, hold the field but don't contest the British retreat.
Another British casualty is General Sir John French, who is replaced by one of the most controversial generals of the war, Sir Douglas Haig. Haig is promoted from a corps commander to commander in chief of the BEF. This very year, the gung ho Haig says "The machine gun is a much overrated weapon." WTF?! Haig will be in command for the coming battles of the Somme and Passchendale.
The offensive has cost the French 190,000 casualties, the British 60,000 and the Germans 140,000. Very little is changed on the field.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)