Petain also insured that the Germans suffered almost as much losses as the French. Their advance was hindered by small-scale counter-attacks made by the French under the able leadership of General Philippe Petain. Germany continued to advance till June 23, 1916, albeit slowly. #5 Germany reached within two and a half miles of Verdun by June 23 On 25 February, the Germans occupied the huge fort at Douaumont, considered one of the most powerful forts in the world. Although this gave France time to construct defensive lines and send reinforcements, yet the French were hugely unprepared when bombardment began on the morning of Feb 21. The German offensive in Verdun was scheduled to begin on 12 February but due to poor weather it was delayed till 21 February, 1916. #4 The German offensive in Verdun was delayed due to bad weather Falkenhayn plan was for Germany to inflict comparatively much more damage to France and he was certain that the French losses would ultimately change the course of World War I in Germany’s favor. He intended the Verdun offensive to be an attrition battle to bleed France to death. #3 Battle of Verdun was intended to be an attrition battleįalkenhayn believed that the French would ‘throw in every man they have’ to retain Verdun to prevent national humiliation. Verdun was of greater value to France symbolically than strategically and Germany wanted to exploit this. Verdun lay vulnerable to attack from three sides and it would have been much practical to defend the woods immediately behind it. #2 Verdun was chosen for its historical significanceįalkenhayn chose Verdun as the focus of the German offensive because it was historically important to the French as its forts had been key assets in wars since ancient times. Hence he wanted to launch a massive German attack on France to kill so many of their men that it would open an opportunity to defeat Britain or to force them to negotiate. He believed Britain formed the foundation of the Allied effort but it lay behind the shield of the French army and could be defeated only after this shield was broken. German Chief of General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn, came up with the plan to attack Verdun in France. One among many lost in the morass of the Somme and Verdun.#1 The chief architect of the Battle of Verdun was Erich von Falkenhayn German Chief of General Staff – Erich von Falkenhayn 29, 1916 to Raymond’s father: “there is no hope of his being alive.” Harris, Lieutenant, 1st Canadian Division, HQ, BEF France wrote on Oct.
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They are fed up with fighting and throw their hands up without a fight.” I would like to know what the Hun big bugs think. They must be short when they put their sailors into land battles. The weather may save his luck but from what I see will not hinder much. 4, 1916: “The war still goes on with much gusto and Fritz still goes luck. Penniman was lost at the Somme, officially reported missing Oct. Royal Canadian Regiment, Seventh Brigade, Third Division, BEF. One of those witnesses was Lieutenant Ray Penniman, Military Cross, Co. They Shall Not Pass | 1916 sheds light on the personal side of the conflict. Nearly all of the objects and documents are being exhibited for the first time in the Museum’s history. Noteworthy objects on exhibit include a British Vickers machine gun, a Verdun commemorative flag, German uniforms from regiments at both battles and a French infantry folding bicycle. This special centennial exhibition draws on the extensive collection of the Museum and Memorial to show the immense scope of the 1916 Western Front battles and other areas of action. On June 23, French General Robert Nivelle exhorted his men to hold: vous ne les laisserrez pas passer (you shall not let them pass).The shortened adopted French battle cry then and forever after the 1916 battle was on ne passe pas or ils ne passeront pas (they shall not pass).
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21, 1916 and lasting until the French counter offensive on Dec.
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In September 1914, the British Expeditionary Force was not involved in the battles of Picardy and Albert so it is not as well recorded or reported.Īlthough fighting around the ancient fortress city of Verdun started in 1914 and continued until 1918, the massive German offensive beginning on Feb. The Battle of the Somme in 1916 was actually the second Battle of the Somme.
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All aptly describe the two pivotal battles of 1916, the Somme and Verdun.Īn attack along a front of 18 miles from Maricourt, north of the River Somme, to Gommecourt by British and French forces was meant to break the Western Front stalemate. Mud and mayhem, death and destruction, staggering unnecessary losses.