(Credit: Public Domain), World War I battles often started with tactical objectives and devolved into bloody stalemates, but most historians believe that Verdun was intended to be a “meat grinder” from the very beginning. By the end of the ceaseless 10-month combat, 300,000 men were dead. The diversionary battle had worked. Due to a lack of secure railways and constant enemy bombardments, the French were forced to rely on a lone, 20-foot-wide road to supply their stand at Verdun. An interesting fact about this battle is that the author Ernest Hemingway wrote about the Italian retreat in his famous novel "A Farewell to Arms", which was his first best- seller. Despite the Germans’ plan to “bleed France white,” the Battle of Verdun resulted in roughly equal casualties for both sides. By mid July the Germans were forced to stop any meaningful attacks at Verdun. Here are key facts about Battle of the Somme: Spanning 141 days (July 1, 1916 - November 18 1916), the Battle of the Somme occurred on the banks of the Somme River in France The battle was between the Allies (British Empire and French) vs. German troops The morning of February 21, 1916, marked the beginning of one of the longest, bloodiest and costliest battles in World War I and history. France is commemorating the 100th anniversary of The Battle of Verdun, World War One's longest battle. Interesting First Battle of the Marne Facts: The battle was precipitated by what is known as the "Great Retreat." One hundred years ago today the Battle of Verdun started. 1. Both sides lost about 337,000 soldiers each. It was fought from February 21 to December 18, 1916 in the hills of northeastern France over a small area of land between the Germans and French. When the Battle of Verdun officially ended on 18 December the French had pushed back the Germans close to the line where the battle had started ten months earlier. Battle of Verdun | 10 Facts On The Longest Battle In History #1 The chief architect of the Battle of Verdun was Erich von Falkenhayn. These were easily intercepted by the Germans allowing the Germans to know exactly what the Russians were planning. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! 17 Battle of Verdun Facts for Kids The Battle of Verdun was a military campaign on the Western Front during World War 1. The first tanks to engage in battle were at the Battle … Germany seized command of the skies during the early stages of the Battle of Verdun, but the tables later turned after the French assembled a force of 226 planes and organized them into some of history’s first fighter squadrons. The Battle of Verdun, 21 February-15 December 1916, became the longest battle in modern history. Verdun was heavily defended Surrounded by numerous heavily-armed forts, Verdun was a fortress city and a vital link... 3. 6. It was originally planned by the German Chief of General Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn to secure victory for Germany on the Western Front.The aim was to crush the French army before the Allies grew in strength through the full deployment of British forces. An aerial view of Fort Douaumont. View of Verdun after 8 months of bombing. Interesting Facts about the Battle of Tannenberg. Both sides lost about 337,000 soldiers each. Upon taking command of French forces in late-February 1916, General Philippe Petain took steps to keep the lifeline open. Battle of Verdun, (February 21–December 18, 1916), World War I engagement in which the French repulsed a major German offensive. “If they do so,” he wrote in his memo, “the forces of France will bleed to death.” Falkenhayn called his ruthless scheme Operation Gericht—a term loosely translated as “judgment” or “place of execution.”. By the end of the Battle of Jutland the United Kingdom had 6,874 casualties, and the German Empire had 3,039. They also speak about the Hell of Verdun or the Blood pump. Lasting almost ten months (21 February 1916 – 18 December 1916). The battle of Verdun caused approximately 1 million casualties, making it one of the most deadly battles in history, Approximately half of all casualties of Verdun were killed. The Germans were well aware that the two Russian generals did not like each other. After gaining access to the fort through an undefended passage, a small party of Germans led by Lt. 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