feb 21, 1916 - The Battle of Verdun
Description:
The Battle of Verdun, an offensive in which the French repulsed a major German attack, lasted from February 21 to December 18, 1916, on the Western Front in France (City of Verdun) on the hills north of Verdun-sur-Meuse. It was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war (302 days); French casualties amounted to about 400,000, German ones to about 350,000. The battle, planned by a German chief, was meant to kill or injure as many French soldiers as possible. The Germans planned to capture the Meuse heights to use as an observation point for artillery fire on Verdun. They captured Fort Douaumont in the first 3 days of their attack. In December (towards the end of the war) the French recaptured most of their grounds and Fort Douaumont and claimed their victory The battle symbolized the determination of the French army.Added to timeline:
Date:
feb 21, 1916
Now
~ 110 years ago