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