[Illustration: GENERAL JOFFRE AND GENERAL PÉTAIN AT THE 2ND ARMY
HEADQUARTERS AT SOUILLY.]
[Illustration: MORT-HOMME.--HILLS 286 AND 295.
_In the background, the valley of the Forges stream, Bethincourt on
the left, Forges wood on the right._]
[Illustration: BETWEEN DOUAUMONT AND VAUX, THE RAVINE OF
FAUSSE-CÔTE.]
[Illustration: THIRD PHASE.--THE BATTLE OF ATTRITION (MAY-SEPTEMBER
1916).
_The struggle continued obstinately and without interruption on the
two banks of the Meuse. The attempt of the enemy to wear down the
French forces was in vain, the latter re-organising their defences.
Division succeeded division in the defence of Verdun but then were
relieved before they were exhausted, so that they came out of the
furnace better able to stand its hardships._]