Transcriber’s Notes
A small number of obvious typos have been corrected by the addition
of a missing accent. For example, “Prefecture” and “Eglise” have been
changed to “Préfecture” and “Église”, respectively. Except for this,
the spelling and punctuation of the book have not been changed.
Underscores are used for italic markup; the three words that end this
sentence _are in italics_.
Equals signs are used for bold-face markup; the three words that end
this sentence =are in bold face=.
The symbols ^{} are used to represent a superscript; for example "3
squared" would be printed as "3^{2}".
The table of contents is at the end of the main text.
Near the beginning of the chapter entitled “THE WAR OF 1914–18” there
is a reference to
“=The Battle of the Marne=,” part III., “_The Revigny Pass_”.
This is another Michelin guide but it is NOT the one that has been
posted to the Gutenberg site. This is another Michelin guide but it is
not the one that has been posted to the Gutenberg site. If you are
interested, see this book on archive.org—Battlefields of the World War,
Vol I. Part III is on pages 215–289. See:
https://archive.org/details/michelinguidetob00mill
ILLUSTRATED MICHELIN GUIDES TO THE BATTLE-FIELDS (1914–1918)
VERDUN
AND THE BATTLES FOR ITS POSSESSION.
[Illustration]
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VERDUN
HOTELS AND MOTOR AGENTS.
_On June 1, 1919._
Information extracted from the _Michelin Tourist Guide_ (1919).
Hostellerie du Coq Hardi, 8 Rue du St. Esprit
(between the Rue Mazel and the Meuse).
Hôtel du Lion d’Or, Place Saint Paul
(Opposite the Sub-Préfecture).
The “Comité du Ravitaillement des Réfugies,” whose headquarters are at
the “Collège,” Rue St. Paul (see _Guide_, p. 31 and 33), has installed
a refectory and dormitory in the “Collège.” The “Comité” supplies
tourists with the addresses of private persons who let rooms.
The resources of the region around Verdun, described in the itineraries
(p. 57 and 88), are absolutely nil. Tourists are therefore advised to
provide themselves with Luncheon Baskets.
MOTOR AGENTS.
Grand Garage Central Rochette, 22 rue de la Rivière, Agent for Peugeot.
Inspection pit. Petrol (Gasolene). Telephone No 50.
The above information may no longer be exact when it meets the reader’s
eye. Tourists are therefore recommended to consult the Michelin Touring
Office.
Before setting out on a motoring tour, whether in the British Isles or
abroad, call or write to:
[Illustration]
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81, Fulham Rd., London,
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who will be pleased to furnish all desired information and a carefully
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IN MEMORY
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AND WORKMEN WHO DIED GLORIOUSLY FOR
THEIR COUNTRY
THE BATTLE OF
VERDUN
(1914–1918)
Published by
MICHELIN & Cie
Clermont-Ferrand, France
Copyright 1919 by Michelin & Cie
_All rights of translation, adaptation, or reproduction
(in part or whole) reserved in all countries_
[Illustration: VERDUN BURNING IN 1916 DURING BOMBARDMENT WITH
INCENDIARY SHELLS.]
VERDUN
ORIGIN AND POLITICAL HISTORY
=Verdun=, one of France’s most ancient cities, was first a Gallic,
then under the name of “Virodunum Castrum,” a Roman fortress. In 843
the celebrated treaty which divided the Carolingian Empire and annexed
Verdun to the Kingdom of Lorraine was signed there. From 870 to 879
Verdun became part of France, but in 923 it was incorporated in the
German Empire. As a county, it was governed under the feudal system by
the hereditary counts, the last of whom was Godefroy de Bouillon, and
later by the episcopal counts and bishops.
In the 10th century, Bishop Haimont, of Verdun, persuaded the Count of
Verdun to transfer his rights to him. The arrangement was confirmed by
Emperor Othon III., but the count’s heirs disputed the bishops’ title
to the town. Later, the burgesses revolted against the authority of
the bishops, and after a sanguinary struggle succeeded in throwing
off their yoke about the middle of the 13th century. After a long
occupation by the Germans, Henri II., King of France, retook Verdun
in 1552 and granted it privileges which were confirmed by François II.
in 1559. During the Religious Wars, the town was for the Leaguers,
and only agreed to receive Henry IV.’s envoy, after that prince’s
conversion to the Roman Faith. The burgesses did not take the oath of
allegiance to the King of France until 1601.
CHIEF MILITARY EVENTS
Both in respect of its geographical position and history, Verdun is a
typical fortified town. From time immemorial it has played an important
part in resisting invasion, as witness its fortified camp and citadel.
Since 1870 it has been the centre of an essential position formed by a
rough hemi-cycle of hills and slopes bristling with defensive works and
batteries.
Since the year 450, when Attila left it “like a field ravaged by wild
beasts,” it has been besieged at least ten times.
Charles Quint besieged and took it in 1544, but after a seven years’
occupation it was retaken by Henry II. of France in 1552. The Huguenots
tried to take it by surprise in 1589, but were unable to overcome the
resistance of the burgesses.
=Siege of 1792.=—In 1792, the Prussians attacked and bombarded
the town, defended by Beaurepaire with only thirty-two guns and
forty-four artillerymen. The Council of Defence, urged thereto by the
Anti-Republican section of the population, decided to capitulate, in
spite of opposition on the part of Beaurepaire, who died suddenly soon
afterwards at the Town Hall by his own hand, according to some, others
holding that he was assassinated. The Prussians occupied the town for
six weeks, after the garrison had left. Although it is true that a few
women went to the Camp of Bras with an offering of sweetmeats for the
King of Prussia, it has not been established that the latter gave a
ball at Regret, at which the women of Verdun danced. The victory of
Valmy forced the Prussians to leave Verdun. On October 13th Kellermann
took possession of the Citadel, and on the 14th the troops of the
Republic entered the town. Several of the visitors to the Camp of Bras
expiated their regrettable act on the scaffold.
=Siege of 1870.=—In 1870, Verdun offered a more stubborn resistance.
When the Saxon troops, about 10,000 in number, appeared to the east
of the town, the garrison of the latter comprised only 1,500 regular
troops, including fifty artillerymen, 2,000 “mobiles” (newly levied
men) and 1,400 men of the National Sedentary Guard, while its armament
consisted of twenty mortars, two howitzers and ninety-six guns, of
which only forty-six were rifled. Under the command of General Guérin
de Waldersbach, seconded by General Marmier, this small garrison
repulsed an attack on August 24th, and refused to surrender. After
being reinforced by 2,600 men who had escaped from Sedan, several
sallies were made. By September 23rd the enemy had completely encircled
the town, and were forcing the inhabitants of the surrounding villages
to help with the siege-works. On the night of October 19th thirty
sappers, twenty-five artillerymen and 100 foot soldiers surprised the
two German batteries on Heyvaux Hill, between Thierville and Regret, on
the left bank, and after hand-to-hand fighting, spiked all the guns.
After the fall of Metz, Verdun, besieged by 15,000 men with 140 heavy
guns, in addition to field artillery, surrendered on November 8th with
the honours of war.
The town had been bombarded three times. On August 24th it received
about 2,000 shells; on September 26th the Citadel received 1,000 to
1,200 shells in five hours; on October 13th, 14th and 15th 20,000 to
25,000 shells fell in the town, severely damaging the upper part and
the Citadel.
The name of the German Prefect who governed Verdun and the Meuse
province was Von Bethmann Hollweg.
THE WAR OF 1914–1918
Abbreviations: Q.G., _General Headquarters_; P.C., _Post of
Commandment_.
=German= army corps are indicated by Roman figures followed by the
letters “C” for the _active_ and “R.C.” for the _reserve_.
=French= army corps are indicated by arabic figures followed by the
letters “C.A.”
=German= infantry divisions are indicated by their number followed by
the letters “D” for the _active_, “R.D.” for the _reserve_, “D.L.” for
the “_Landwehr_,” and “E.D.” for the “_Ersatz_.”
=French= infantry divisions are indicated by their number followed by
the letters “D.I.”
Verdun played an essential part in the great war.
In 1914, during the battle of the Marne, the army under General
Sarrail, resting on Verdun, formed the pivot for Marshal Joffre’s
manœuvre (_see the Michelin Guide_: “=The Battle of the Marne=,” part
III., “_The Revigny Pass_”).
[Illustration: VERDUN—PIVOT OF THE BATTLE OF THE MARNE.]
After the battle of the Marne, the Crown Prince established
his positions of resistance north of the fortress, on the line
Malancourt—Brabant—Haumont—Maucourt. On September 15th, General Sarrail
slipped in from this side the 6th C.A. and 72nd R.D., which were sent
beyond the advance forts. The enemy sought to isolate and approach
Verdun at the same time. The combats which occurred successively on the
initiative of each side were indecisive on the north, but not on the
S.E.
On September 20th the IIIrd Bavarian Corps attacked the 75th R.D. at
Vigneuilles-les-Hatton châtel, and after forcing it to retreat, reached
the Meuse Heights. The 6th Corps was hastily transferred to this
region, where it checked the German advance. Further to the right, at
St. Mihiel, the enemy succeeded on the 25th in forcing the passage of
the Meuse and occupied Chauvoncourt.
During October, November and December, the adversaries harassed one
another without intermission. In the vicinity of St. Mihiel the enemy
maintained their positions on the left bank of the river.
So far from besieging Verdun, as the _Wolff News Agency_
falsely announced, or entering it, as a postcard circulated
throughout Germany, entitled “_Combats in the streets of
Verdun,_” tried to make believe, the Crown Prince was held in
check on the general line Vauquois—Malancourt—Brabant—Bois des
Caures—Ornes—Fromezey—Hennemont—Combres—Lamorville—Spada—Chauvoncourt.
These positions were but slightly modified up to the time of the big
attack in February, 1916.
[Illustration: THE VERDUN FRONT, FROM THE BATTLE OF THE MARNE UNTIL THE
GREAT GERMAN OFFENSIVE IN 1916.]
In February, 1915, the city was bombed by aeroplanes, while the forts
of Douaumont and Vaux were shelled by heavy artillery, including
17-inch guns. The Eparges crest, stubbornly held by the enemy since
September, 1914, was definitely taken on April 6th by the 12th D.I.
after more than a month of the fiercest fighting. This brilliant action
was followed by violent counter-attacks by the Vth German corps, the
combats being particularly furious on April 24th and May 5th, after
which the fighting was less desperate.
On November 25th–26th the enemy attacked to the N.W. of the city, but
despite the liberal use of poison gas, they failed to reach the French
lines.
Further attacks by the Germans against Forges on January 12th and at
Caures Wood on February 12th, 1916, were unsuccessful.
[Illustration: PLAN OF THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE OF FEBRUARY, 1916.
“_Concentrate an all-powerful artillery, cut with gun-fire the only
main railway connecting Verdun with France, crush the French defences,
isolating their occupants with heavy artillery barrages, then rush the
town with huge masses of men, irrespective of losses, crushing the last
vestiges of resistance,”—such was the “kolossal” plan which the Germans
set out to execute on February 21st, 1916._]
THE BATTLE OF VERDUN
A battle which was destined to last much longer than the entire
Franco-German war of 1870–1871, and which absorbed the efforts of
Germany throughout the year, began on February 21st, 1916.
The choice of this battlefield was perhaps less paradoxical than has
been said. For the German High Command to take Verdun was to crush the
French right, capture an important strategical position and secure an
immense moral effect. Moreover, the enemy feared an Allied offensive
and was disturbed by the continued increase of their strength in men
and material. To forestall this offensive was to make it fail and keep
the initiative of the operations. Moreover, the Germans desired to
impress the public opinion of the world, which had begun to doubt their
ultimate victory. Greece and Roumania seemed inclined to abandon their
neutrality, and the time appeared ripe to prove by a crushing blow that
German force had not diminished. Lastly, they were influenced by home
political considerations; the rationing of the population had depressed
the public _morale_ and provoked dissension between the political
parties and the states; the prestige of the Crown Prince, after his
failure in the Argonne, had considerably declined; a great victory was
necessary to strengthen German _morale_, appease dissension and, by
rehabilitating the Crown Prince, enhance the prestige of the Imperial
family.
[Illustration: GENERALS JOFFRE AND PÉTAIN AT THE G.H.Q. OF THE 2ND
FRENCH ARMY AT SOUILLY, IN FEBRUARY, 1916.]
The Germans, who had fourteen railways at their disposal, and who,
during a long and careful preparation, had concentrated seven army
corps and extraordinarily powerful artillery, comprising at least
3,000 guns of all calibres, attacked the French, who had a river in
their rear and whose one solitary broad-gauge railway was under enemy
gun-fire. By sacrificing men and material on a lavish scale the enemy
counted on rapidly overcoming all obstacles, level the French trenches,
crush the centres of resistance under a deluge of 17-inch, 15-inch and
12-inch shells, isolate them with barrage fire from 8-inch guns and
poison-gas shells, and occupy the destroyed positions—such were to be
the German tactics. They were so sure, by repeated smashing blows,
of breaking through between Bras and Douaumont, and, by their attack
on Verdun, of forcing the French to withdraw their wings, that they
neglected first to attack the French positions on the left bank and in
the Woevre plain, with the result that their colossal effort broke down
before the tenacious resistance and heroism of the French.
[Illustration: THE “SACRED WAY,” AND THE NARROW-GAUGE MEUSE RAILWAY.
_In February, 1916, only one broad-gauge railway connected Verdun, via
St. Menehould, with the rest of France. At the outset of the offensive
it was cut by enemy gun-fire between Parois and Dombasle. There
remained the narrow-gauge Meuse railway and the road. The carrying
capacity of the former was increased to 2,000 tons per day, while the
motor service along the “Sacred Way” was organised to such a pitch that
it was able to ensure the transport of the troops, the evacuation of
the wounded and the revictualling of 250,000 combatants._]
THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE
_February–August, 1916_
1.—The Central Attack
At the beginning of the battle, the first French lines were _on the
left bank_, from Avocourt Wood to Forges, _via_ the slopes in front of
Malancourt and Béthincourt; _on the right bank_, from Brabant-sur-Meuse
to Fromézey, _via_ Haumont, Haumont Wood, Caures Wood, La Ville Wood,
Herbébois, Ornes and Maucourt. On the morning of February 21st and
simultaneously with a bombardment of the entire French front, the enemy
began the systematic shelling of Verdun, whose last residents were
evacuated on the 25th at noon.
The infantry attacked at 4.45 p.m. from Haumont Wood to Ornes. The 51st
and 72nd divisions sustained the first shock of the IIIrd and XVIIIth
C.A. and the XIIIth division of the VIIth R.C. A heroic combat followed
the most formidable artillery preparation ever known till then. In
Caures Wood the Chasseurs, under _Colonel Driant_, resisted foot by
foot. When night fell, the enemy’s progress was insignificant, compared
with his sacrifices. However, they succeeded in taking Haumont Wood.
On the 22nd the bombardment was resumed with, if possible, greater
intensity. In Caures Wood _Colonel Driant_ resisted until death
overtook him, having first evacuated his Chasseurs to Beaumont.
Meanwhile, the sectors of Woevre and the left bank of the Meuse were
violently shelled.
[Illustration: THE CENTRAL ATTACK.
_This attack (February 21st–26th), on the right bank of the Meuse,
shortened the enemy’s front as progressed. It came to a stop on the
sixth day at Poivre Hill and Douaumont._]
The fighting on the 23rd was even more furious. Brabant fell into
the hands of the enemy after a fierce resistance by the 351st I.D.,
which clung desperately to the ruins of Samogneux until nightfall.
Further east the battle raged fiercely. The French counter-attacked
unsuccessfully at Caures Wood and were attacked at Herbebois. The 51st
I.D. fell back, making the enemy pay dearly for his progress towards
Fosses Wood.
[Illustration]
In the evening the front extended along the Samogneux—Beaumont—Ornes
line. Samogneux was captured by the enemy during the night. The
situation was very critical.
Exasperated at the resistance of the French, and having received
reinforcements, the Germans made a supreme effort on the 24th. Although
harassed by French artillery on the left bank of the Meuse, they
succeeded in taking Hill 344 to the east of Samogneux, Fosses Wood,
Chaume Wood and the village of Ornes. French reinforcements arrived the
same day, and the command of the army of Verdun passed from General de
Castelnau to General Pétain.
[Illustration: _Starting-point of the German Attack of February 21st,
North of Haumont Wood._]
On the 25th, the 37th I.D., with orders to defend Talou Hill and
Louvemont village, resisted for a long time against incredibly furious
attacks, but on their right the enemy succeeded in capturing Vauche
Wood and, advancing towards Douaumont, carried the fort by surprise.
However, their efforts to take the village failed before the heroic
tenacity of the 31st Brigade, while the 94th D.I. covered itself with
glory. The enemy advance from this side, had the effect of compelling
the 31st I.D. to abandon Talou Hill. During this time the line in
Woevre was, unknown to the Germans, voluntarily withdrawn to the foot
of the Meuse hills, where the French only retained outposts at Fresnes
and Manheulles.
Taking over the command on the night of the 25th, General Pétain
at once divided the battle-line into four sectors, officered as
follows: _General Bazelaire_, on the left bank, from Avocourt to the
river; _General Guillaumat_, from the Meuse to Douaumont; _General
Balfourier_, from this point to the Woevre; _General Duchesne_, on the
Meuse Heights.
There were no trenches, but he ordered that the forts should at least
be connected by a continuous line of entrenchments to be made while the
battle was at its height and which the “poilus,” in their disdain for
the shovel and pick, called the “Panic Line.” The entire 59th division
was told off to organise the counter slopes on the second and third
lines. Thirteen battalions kept in repair the road from Bar-le-Duc to
Verdun, _via_ Souilly (the “=Sacred Way=”), which eventually became the
main artery for revictualling the place in men and munitions, and along
which 1,700 motor lorries passed each way daily. Lastly, General Pétain
managed to imbue all under his command with his energy, activity and
faith, and the enemy’s drive was stopped.
On the 26th, the 39th D.I., which had relieved the 37th, victoriously
repulsed all attacks on Poivre Hill, while the 31st Brigade continued
to hold Douaumont until relieved in the evening by the 2nd D.I.
[Illustration: THE RELIEF BY MOTOR-LORRIES.
_Regiment leaving Nixéville in lorries for the rear._]
On the following days the fighting continued about and in the streets
of Douaumont, which the enemy finally captured on March 4th. The
Germans now began to show signs of weakening. Their effort on the right
bank had failed. Checked at Douaumont, they were taken in the rear by
the French positions on the left bank, and were obliged to modify their
plans. From that time they operated simultaneously or successively on
both banks.
[Illustration: _Mort-Homme and Hill 287 in May, 1916._]
2.—The General Attack
(_See map, pp. 14 and 15_)
On March 6th two German divisions attacked from Béthincourt to Forges,
where the French front was held by the 67th D.I., and succeeded in
taking Forges and Regnéville, but were checked by the positions on Oie
Hill. Continuing their advance on the 7th, they succeeded in capturing
these positions, as well as Corbeaux Wood. The village of Cumières
was the scene of terrible fighting, but remained in the hands of the
French, while further to the west the enemy’s attacks broke down at
Mort-Homme.
On March 8th, while on the left bank, French troops retook Corbeaux
Wood, the Germans brought into line units of five army corps and began
a general attack, which failed with very heavy losses, their only gain
being the capture of part of Vaux village.
On the 9th they succeeded in getting a footing on the slopes of
Mort-Homme, but at the other end of the battle-line their attack on
Vaux Fort failed. Their radiograms announcing the capture of the fort
were untrue.
On the 10th, Corbeaux Wood was taken by the Germans and the French
withdrew to the line Béthincourt, Mort-Homme, south of Corbeaux and
Cumières Wood and Cumières village. The battle continued in the village
and in front of Vaux Fort, strongly held by the French. The enemy
temporarily ceased his massed attacks. In reality their offensive had
failed, while their losses in men and munitions had been exceptionally
heavy. On March 10th Joffre was able to say to the soldiers of Verdun:
“_For three weeks you have withstood the most formidable attack which
the enemy has yet made. Germany counted on the success of this effort,
which she believed would prove irresistible, and for which she used
her best troops and most powerful artillery. She hoped by the capture
of Verdun to strengthen the courage of her Allies and convince neutrals
of German superiority. But she reckoned without you! The eyes of the
country are on you. You belong to those of whom it will be said: ‘They
barred the road to Verdun.’_”
[Illustration: THE GERMAN GENERAL ATTACK ON BOTH BANKS OF THE MEUSE.
_The Central Attack which was to capture Verdun and force back the
French wings failed. The Germans, caught on the flank by French
artillery posted on the left bank of the Meuse, attacked alternately
on both sides of the river. The struggle continued desperately at
Mort-Homme, Hill 304, Cumières, Fleury, and as far as the approaches of
Souville Fort—extreme limit of the German Advance in June, 1916._]
[Illustration: GENERAL PÉTAIN’S ORDER OF THE DAY (_see translation
below_).]
From March 11th to April 9th the aspect of the battle changed. Wide
front attacks gave place to local actions, short, violent and limited
in scope. On March 14th the Germans captured Hill 265, forming the
western portion of the Mort-Homme position, from the 75th French
Brigade, whose commander Colonel Garçon, fell, rifle in hand, but they
failed to take the eastern part, Hill 295. On the 20th, Avocourt and
Malancourt Woods fell to the Bavarians, and after a fierce struggle the
village of Malancourt was lost on March 31st, Haucourt on April 5th,
and Béthincourt on April 8th.
On the right bank, after powerful attacks near Vaux, the enemy reached
Caillette Wood and the Vaux-Fleury railway, only to be driven back by
the 5th division (Mangin).
A furious attack was made along both banks by the Germans at noon on
April 9th; _on the left bank_, five divisions were engaged, failing
everywhere except at the Mort-Homme, where, despite the heroic
resistance of the 42nd division (Deville), they gained a footing on the
N.E. slopes; _on the right bank_, Poivre Hill was attacked but remained
in French hands.
“_April 9th was a glorious day for our armies_,” General Pétain
declared in his order of the day dated the 10th, “_the furious
attacks of the soldiers of the Crown Prince broke down everywhere. The
infantry, artillery, sappers and aviators of the 2nd Army vied with
one another in valour. Honour to all. No doubt the Germans will attack
again. Let all work and watch, that yesterday’s success be continued.
Courage! We shall beat them!_”
[Illustration: _General Nivelle, taking over the Command of Verdun Army
in May, 1916._]
On the 10th the enemy continued his efforts with small success.
[Illustration: _Entrance to Douaumont Fort._]
From that date operations were limited to local actions, either in
reply to French counter-offensives (attacks of April 11th between
Douaumont and Vaux and between the Meuse and Douaumont on the 17th), or
in endeavours to take key positions where the French offered vigorous
resistance. At the beginning of May General Pétain, having received the
command of the central group of armies, General Nivelle took over that
of the army of Verdun.
From May 4th to 24th the Germans attacked furiously around Mort-Homme.
On the 4th they captured the northern slopes of Hill 304, where
desperate combats took place on the 5th and 6th. By a powerful attack
on the 7th they forced the French to abandon the crest of Hill 304,
which, however, they were unable to occupy on account of the violence
of the bombardment. Cumières and Caurettes fell on the 24th.
In the meantime, the battle had started afresh on the Douaumont—Vaux
front. On May 22nd, at 11.50 a.m., the French 5th D.I. attacked and
recaptured the fort of Douaumont, the casemates of which were the scene
of desperate hand-to-hand fighting. The French were driven out on the
24th, but maintained their positions in the immediate vicinity.
The battle continued without respite or quarter. Not an hour passed
without a surprise of some sort being attempted. The Germans were
determined to advance, but at every step they were checked by the
unflinching will of the French not to let them pass.
From May 29th to 31st the enemy attacked Hill 304 and at Mort-Homme.
June 1st was marked by the loss of the Hardaumont salient and Thiaumont
Farm. On the 2nd the enemy progressed in Fumin Wood, but lost Thiaumont
Farm. On the 3rd they gained a footing in Vaux Fort, which was entirely
in their possession on the 8th. On the 9th they attacked Hill 304 and
Damloup Battery and retook Thiaumont Farm. On the 12th they advanced
along La Dame Ravine, but lost the N.E. slopes of Mort-Homme on the
15th.
[Illustration: _Aspect of the Battlefield in July, 1916._]
On the 23rd, after an uninterrupted bombardment, begun the day before,
the Germans launched their greatest attack. Seventeen regiments were
hurled simultaneously against the Thiaumont—Fleury—Souville front,
resulting in the capture of the Thiaumont redoubt and the gaining of
a footing in the village of Fleury, but failing to take the fort of
Souville. Froide-Terre Hill, momentarily invaded, was cleared of the
enemy by a grenade and bayonet attack.
On the following days, the fighting centred around the Thiaumont
redoubt, which changed hands many times, remaining finally with the
enemy on June 30th.
Combats, frequent and furious, continued on both banks until the middle
of August.
FRENCH COUNTER-OFFENSIVES—CLEARING VERDUN
_October–December, 1916–August, 1917_
The French Offensive of October 24th, 1916, on the Right Bank
of the Meuse
From August, 1916, the Germans, in consequence of the Franco-British
offensive in the Somme, gradually abandoned Verdun, in which venture
she had sacrificed the pick of her troops. The army of Verdun took
advantage of this to regain the initiative of the operations.
[Illustration: _General Mangin in front of his Post of Commandment._]
Under the command of General Mangin the French attacked from Thiaumont
to Laufée Wood on October 24th, 1916, the artillery preparation by
650 guns, including the new 15-inch and 16-inch mortars, beginning on
October 20th. On the 22nd a feint attack enabled French aeroplanes to
locate 158 enemy batteries, which were heavily shelled the next day.
That the Germans did not realise the position was evident from the
Crown Prince’s announcement that he had broken a strong French attack.
The real attack took place on the morning of the 24th (_see map,
p. 20_).
The German front was held on the first line by seven divisions. The
French attacked with three divisions: the 38th (Guyot de Salins),
supported on the left by the 11th line regiment; the 133rd (Passaga),
known as “La Gauloise”; the 74th (de Lardemelle).
[Illustration]
The attack was a brilliant success and gave the French the Haudromont
quarries, Thiaumont redoubt and farm, Douaumont fort and village,
the northern edge of Caillette Wood, Vaux pond, the eastern edge of
Fumin Wood and Damloup battery. On the 24th and 25th more than 6,000
prisoners, fifteen guns, and considerable quantities of material,
were captured. On November 2nd, when the French re-entered Vaux Fort,
abandoned by the enemy, they practically reoccupied their positions of
February 24th.
[Illustration: _The Approaches of Tavannes Fort._]
[Illustration]
The French Offensive of December 15th, 1916, on the Right Bank
of the Meuse
To completely clear Verdun to the east of the Meuse and give greater
freedom to the reconquered forts of Vaux and Douaumont, General
Mangin organised a new attack. A great amount of preparatory work
was done by the army of Verdun, including about eighteen miles of
road (whereof one of logs laid transversely for the artillery), more
than six miles of narrow-gauge railway, and a network of trenches and
depots for munitions and material. As soon as these very considerable
preparations, often carried out under heavy enemy shell-fire, were
finished, the attacking troops took up their positions: the 126th D.I.
(Muteau), 38th D.I. (Guyot de Salins), 37th D.I. (Garnier-Duplessis)
and 133rd D.I. (Passaga), with the 123rd, 128th, 21st and 6th D.I. as
reserves. Two lines of artillery prepared and sustained the attack: one
from Vacherauville to Thiaumont, Fleury and Souville, the other passing
through Belleville, St. Michel Hill and Tavannes Fort. The six-mile
German front from Vacherauville to Bezonvaux was held by five divisions
in the first line, with four divisions in reserve.
On December 15th, while Germany was proposing that France should ask
for peace, the reply came in the form of attacking waves protected by
a moving curtain of artillery fire.
Several of the objectives, including Vacherauville, Poivre Hill, Hill
342 and the first and second lines before Louvemont, were reached in
a few minutes at a single bound. Albain and Chauffour Woods, those in
front of Douaumont and Helly Ravine, took longer to capture. To the
east La Vauche Wood was carried at the point of the bayonet, Caurières
Wood passed, and the edges of Chaume Wood reached. The farm of Les
Chambrettes and village of Bezonvaux were taken on the following days.
The success was considerable, more than 11,000 prisoners, including 300
officers, 115 guns, several hundred machine-guns and important depots
of munitions and material, being captured. The enemy who, in July, had
been within a few hundred yards of Souville Fort, was now more than
three miles away. In June, the _Frankfort Gazette_, celebrating the
German successes at Verdun, declared: “We have clinched our victory and
none can take it from us,” but on December 18th they had lost all the
ground it had taken five months and enormous sacrifices to conquer.
[Illustration: _Hill 304 recaptured. (Photographed August 24th, 1917.
See p. 24)_]
In congratulating the troops General Mangin reminded them that Germany
had just invited France to sue for peace, adding that they had been
“the true ambassadors of the Republic.”
[Illustration: _Fontaines Ravine, West of Bezonvaux._]
The French Offensive of August 20th, 1917
The Army of Verdun, under General Guillaumat, completed the clearing of
the city on both banks of the Meuse.
[Illustration: GENERAL GUILLAUMAT]
[Illustration]
On August 20th, 1917, eight divisions attacked from Avocourt Wood on
the west to Bezonvaux on the east, along a fifteen-mile front. Avocourt
Wood, Mort-Homme, Corbeaux Wood and Oie Hill on the left bank; Talou
Hill, the villages of Champ, Neuville and Champneuville, Hill 344,
parts of Fosses Wood, Chaume Wood and Mormont Farm, on the right bank,
were captured by the French, who, the next day, also took Samogneux
and Regnéville. Hill 304, which had thus far resisted, was likewise
captured. On the 26th a further attack from Mormont Redoubt to Chaume
Wood brought the French to the southern outskirts of Beaumont. From the
20th to the 26th August the captures include 9,500 prisoners, thirty
guns, 100 trench mortars and 242 machine-guns.
[Illustration]
The American Offensive of September 26th, 1918
(_See Panorama, pp. 106 and 107_)
The clearing of Verdun was entirely and definitely effected in the
autumn of 1918.
While the 4th French Army, under General Gouraud, attacked between the
Moronvillers Hills and Argonne on September 26th, the American Army,
under General Pershing, took the offensive between the Argonne and the
Meuse.
Artillery preparation commenced at 2.30 a.m. and lasted three hours.
At 5.30 a.m. the Americans attacked with great dash the redoubtable
enemy positions on the left bank of the Meuse, capturing Malancourt,
Béthincourt and Forges. Keeping up with the infantry, the artillery
crossed the Forges stream during the morning. The woods, very strongly
defended, were cleared of the enemy, and by noon the Americans had
reached Gercourt, Cuisy, the southern part of Montfaucon and Cheppy.
In the afternoon a desperate battle was engaged on the positions
covering the redoubtable ridge of Montfaucon, the most important
enemy observation-post in the region of Verdun. The Americans wisely
turned the ridge on the right, advancing as far as Septsarges. By
evening Montfaucon was surrounded. The advance, now slower, continued
on the 27th and 28th, despite German counter-attacks. To the west of
Montfaucon, Ivoiry and Epinouville were captured, and thus the ridge
fell. The Americans took 8,000 prisoners and 100 guns.
[Illustration]
The Franco-American Offensive of October, 1918
On the right bank of the Meuse, a French army corps and American
troops, under General Pershing, joined in the struggle, capturing
Brabant, Haumont, Haumont Wood and Caures Wood, while the famous line
from which, in February, 1916, the Crown Prince’s army had attacked
Verdun, was soon reached and passed. By the end of October more than
20,000 prisoners, 150 guns, nearly 1,000 trench-mortars and several
thousand machine-guns, had been captured, while unconquered Verdun was
definitely lost to the Germans. Their retreat was now destined to
continue uninterruptedly until the Armistice.
[Illustration: _Renault Tanks and American Troops on the old French
Lines at Regnéville._]
[Illustration: _The German Advance and the ground reconquered
(Sectioned zones) by the French and American armies_]
CONCLUSION
The Battle of Verdun was not merely one of the hardest of the War’s
many battles, it was also one of the most serious checks received by
the Germans. The enemy High Command had foreseen neither its amplitude
nor its long duration. Whereas, “according to plan,” Verdun—“Heart of
France”—was speedily to be overpowered by a carefully prepared mass
attack, the Germans found themselves involved in a formidable struggle,
without being able either to obtain a decisive advantage or keep the
relatively small advantages obtained at the beginning of the battle.
The battle did not develop “according to plan,” its successive phases
being determined by circumstances.
The huge numbers of troops which the Germans were compelled to engage
brings out very clearly the immensity of their effort and the different
phases of the struggle.
* * * * *
The first and shortest phase (February 21st–March 1st) was that of the
=surprise attack= by a large concentration of specially trained troops.
To the six German divisions which had been holding the Verdun sector
since the Battle of the Marne, were added nine full divisions, rested
and trained for attack.
Of these fifteen divisions ten took part in the surprise attack, their
losses being immediately made good by reserves stationed in the rear of
each army corps. At the end of February, in consequence of the French
withdrawal in Woevre, two further divisions strengthened enemy action
in that region.
* * * * *
The second phase (March 2nd–April 15th) marked the =general attack=
on both banks of the Meuse, in place of the surprise attack which had
failed.
During this period nine and a half fresh German divisions were engaged,
of which four came from the Eastern front.
At the same time two and a half German divisions were withdrawn and
rested in quiet sectors, while four others were sent to the rear to
reform, two of them being, however, again engaged after twenty days’
rest.
* * * * *
The third phase (April 15th–July 1st) was that of =attrition=. After
the failure of their general attack and to avoid avowal of their
defeat, the Germans persisted in their attacks on Verdun.
Twelve fresh divisions were engaged, in addition to three others which
had been sent to the rear to reform. On the other hand, fourteen
divisions were withdrawn and sent to the rear, to Russia, or other
sectors on the French front.
* * * * *
The fourth phase (July 1st, 1916, to 1917) was that of the =retreat
and stabilisation=. The Germans were exhausted and compelled to use
their reserves for the Russian front and especially in the Somme.
Their activities on the Verdun front were limited to making good their
losses. However, they were finally obliged to weaken this front to a
point that they were unable to reply to the French attacks.
From August 21st to October 1st, the Germans brought up only one
division and withdrew four. From October 1st to 24th, three divisions
relieved nearly five. After October 24th the strength of the enemy
forces varied only slightly, the French offensives preventing any
further weakening of the front. The attrition caused by the French
attacks of October 24th and December 15th gave rise only to rapid
replacements of about equal importance.
In brief, from February 21st, 1916, to February 1st, 1917, the Germans
engaged fifty-six and a half divisions (or 567 battalions), of which
six divisions appeared successively on both banks of the Meuse, eight
others being also engaged twice and six three times. In reality, in
the course of eleven months, eighty-two and a half German divisions
took part in the attacks on Verdun, which they had expected to crush
in a few days with ten to twelve divisions. The contrast between this
formidable effort and the meagre results obtained is striking, and is
a splendid testimony to the courage and tenacity of the defenders. The
Battle of Verdun in 1916 was not merely a severe local setback for
the Germans; by using up their best troops it had also very important
strategical consequences. Their successes were few, temporary, and
dearly bought. Advancing painfully, each step forward was marked by a
mountain of corpses. Up to the end of the War, even after the Battles
of the Somme and Aisne in 1910 and 1917, and after the Battle of
Champagne in 1918, Verdun remained a hideous spectre for the German
people, while their soldiers surnamed it “=The Slaughter-House of
Germany=.”
[Illustration: _Douaumont Fort and its Approaches._
(_Photographed from aeroplane in May, 1916._)]
As the French President, M. Poincaré, declared, on handing to the
Mayor of Verdun the decorations conferred on that city by the Allied
nations, it was before the walls of Verdun that “the supreme hope of
Imperial Germany was crushed.” It was at Verdun that Germany sought the
“kolossal” victory which was to enslave the world, and it was there
that France quietly but firmly replied “No road.” For centuries to come
the name of Verdun will continue to ring in the ears of humanity like a
shout of victory and a cry of deliverance.
[Illustration]
Verdun Decorated
It was in a casemate of the Citadel, transformed into a _salle de
fêtes_, that, on September 13th, 1916, Président Poincaré handed the
undermentioned decorations, conferred on the city by the Chiefs of
State of the Allied countries, to the Municipal Authorities of Verdun:
St. George’s Cross of Russia (white enamel); the British Military Cross
(silver); the medal for military valour of Italy (gold); the Cross
of Leopold I. of Belgium (gold); the medal “Ohilitch” of Montenegro
(gold); the “Croix de la Légion d’Honneur” and the “Croix de Guerre”
of France. Since then the French Government has conferred a Sword of
Honour on the city. Generals Joffre, Pétain and Nivelle, the Military
Governor (General Dubois), the French War Minister and representatives
of the Allied Nations were present at this moving ceremony, which
consecrated the heroic resistance of the army of Verdun and the German
defeat.
[Illustration: VERDUN
POPULATION: 21,701. ALTITUDE: 648ft.
SCALE.
0 100 500
P.O. Telegraph. Telephone.
A: LA PRINCERIE.]
A VISIT TO THE CITY OF VERDUN
[Illustration: _Motorists coming either from St. Menehould,
or Bar-le-Duc, via the_ “=Sacred Way=,” _enter Verdun by the
Porte-de-France, which has been chosen as the starting-point of
the following descriptive itinerary for visiting the town. Follow
the_ =streets shown on the outline map=, _in the direction of the_
=arrows=, _consulting at the same time the_ =text= _and_ =photographs=
_on pp. 32–56_.
_See also the_ =two-coloured plan= _opposite_.]
VISIT TO THE CITY
From the =Porte-de-France=, whose entrance arcade on the bridge dates
from Louis XIV., _take the Rue St. Maur, leading to the Place du
Gouvernement_.
[Illustration: THE PLACE D’ARMES]
This square owes its name to the building called “Le Gouvernement,” or
“Ancien Logis du Roi.” Residence of the War Minister, M. Louvois, in
1687, and to-day a barracks for the gendarmes. It was damaged by the
bombardment.
_From the Place du Gouvernement go_ via _the Rue Chevert to the Place
d’Armes_.
The =Place d’Armes=, badly damaged by bombardment, occupies the site of
a tower (Tour le Princier) of the old rampart.
Go down the Rue St. Pierre.
[Illustration: RUE ST. PIERRE IN 1916.
_In background_ RUE CHAUSSÉE. _On the right_: RUE MAZEL.]
_Turning to the left into the Rue St. Paul, the tourist passes in front
of_ =the College=.
[Illustration: FAÇADE OF COLLEGE CHURCH, RUE ST. PAUL, MAY, 1919.]
The present building was erected in 1890 on the site of the old
college, founded in 1570 by Bishop Nicolas Psaume in the grounds of the
ancient Hôpital de St. Nicolas-de-Gravière. Its church, a fine Ionic
structure, was built in 1730 by the Jesuits. The college was one of the
first buildings to be damaged by the bombardment, being struck in 1915,
prior to the great German offensive against Verdun.
[Illustration: INTERIOR OF COLLEGE CHURCH.
_Photographed in May, 1919._]
_Continue along Rue St. Paul as far as the_ =Palais de Justice= _and
the_ =Sub-Préfecture= (_photo, p. 34_).
These two buildings are the remains of the second Abbey of the
Premonstrants of St. Paul, built inside the town after 1552. The first,
situated without the walls, was destroyed by order of the Military
Authorities, who feared a siege by Charles Quint.
In the SOUS-PRÉFECTURE vestiges of the ancient monastery are more
numerous and apparent. The _Salle des Archives_, with its slender
columns and great Renaissance bays, was the monks’ refectory. The
_Cabinet du Sous-Préfet_, with its austere vaulting, has retained its
archaic appearance. In the _Loge du Concierge_ (caretaker’s lodge)
there still exists one of the original mantelpieces, with carving
representing Abraham sacrificing Isaac. The marble-paved _vestibule_
and fine _staircase_ are also 16th century.
The interior arrangement of the Palais de Justice buildings, whose
façade is ornamented with a finely carved semicircular _pediment_, has
been changed. Of the old convent there now only remains the Salle des
Pas-Perdus, formerly the cloister.
The =Hôtel de la Cloche d’Or=, near by, has been installed in the
ancient “Procure” of the same monastery (St. Paul’s).
[Illustration: THE PALAIS DE JUSTICE]
The books and woodwork of the monastery have been removed to the
Municipal Library.
_Return by the Rue St. Paul to the Rue Chaussée, into which turn to the
left; at the end is the_ =Chaussée Gate= (_hist. mon._), built about
1380 (_see pp. 35 and 58_).
Its architecture recalls that of the Bastille. Half of the left tower
on the river was rebuilt in 1690, exactly on the same lines and with
the stones of the old tower; the semicircular arcade and the pediment
facing the bridge are of the same date.
The pediment between the two towers was struck by shell splinters,
otherwise the bombardments did not damage the gate.
[Illustration: THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE AND THE CATHEDRAL BEFORE THE WAR.
(_Compare with photos on pp. 35 and 37._)]
[Illustration: THE CHAUSSÉE GATE (before the War)]
_Cross the Chaussée Bridge over the Meuse, then take on the right
the Boulevard de la République, which passes in front of the Cercle
Militaire (Military Club)._
[Illustration: THE BANKS OF THE MEUSE, THE CATHEDRAL AND ST. CROIX
BRIDGE.
_Photographed from the Military Club in May, 1919._]
_Take on the left, the Rue du Puty and the Rue des Tanneries, then
the Minimes Bridge (also on the left), at the end of which is_ =St.
Saviour’s Church=.
[Illustration: ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.]
The church is modern, having replaced the old Église des Minimes in
1830. It contains, however, some interesting stained-glass windows,
while at the entrance is the tomb of the founder of the old church,
Bishop Bousnard, deceased in 1584.
[Illustration: THE INTERIOR OF ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.]
_Return by the Rue des Tanneries to the Rue du Puty, turn to the left,
reaching the_ =Place Chevert= _on the right bank of the Meuse (see
photo, p. 37)_.
There is a fine view of the upper town, bishop’s palace and cathedral
from this square. The latter was begun in 1552, after the Church of
St. Croix had been pulled down. A statue of _General Chevert_, by the
sculptor of the pediment of the Madeleine in Paris (Lemaire), has been
erected on the site of this church. In December, 1916, this statue was
removed to the underground vaults of the Citadelle.
[Illustration: CHEVERT SQUARE AND STATUE OF GENERAL CHEVERT.
(_Born at Verdun in 1695, General Chevert captured Prague in 1741.
After a heroic defence, he capitulated in 1743, with the honours of
War._)]
[Illustration: THE MEUSE (SEEN FROM CHEVERT SQUARE, 1916).]
_On the other side of Chevert Square is the Rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville,
which ends on the right at St. Croix Bridge. Follow it on the left as
far as the_ =Hôtel-de-Ville= (_see Itinerary, p. 31_).
[Illustration: FAÇADE OF THE HÔTEL-DE-VILLE OVERLOOKING THE GARDENS.
(May 1919)]
Hôtel-de-Ville