Chapter I: Part 1

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.

MICHELIN &. C^{IE}—CLERMONT-FERRAND.
MICHELIN TYRE C^O L^{TD}—81, Fulham Road, LONDON, S.W.
MICHELIN TIRE C^O—MILLTOWN, N.J., U.S.A.

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:

THE MICHELIN TOURING OFFICE
81, Fulham Rd., London,
——S.W. 3.——

who will be pleased to furnish all desired information and a carefully worked-out itinerary of the route to be followed, free of charge.

The MICHELIN MAPS

Invaluable to Motorists and Tourists.

FRANCE.

(_Scale—1:200,000_)

Published in 47 Sections.
Beautifully printed in
Five Colours.

The
BRITISH
ISLES.

(_Scale 3·15 miles to the inch._)

Published in 31 Sections. Beautifully
engraved and printed in six colours.

=Price of Maps (English or French) per Section=:

On Paper — 1/- or post free 1/1-1/
2 On Canvas — 2/- ” ” 2/2

MICHELIN TYRE CO., 81, Fulham Rd., S.W.3

THE BEST & CHEAPEST
DETACHABLE WHEEL

_The Michelin Wheel is practical and strong_

_The Michelin Wheel is simple and smart_

IN MEMORY
OF THE MICHELIN EMPLOYEES
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_

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_”).

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.

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.

“_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.

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.

_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.

_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.

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.

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.

_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.

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.’_”

_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._]

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!_”

On the 10th the enemy continued his efforts with small success.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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=.”

(_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.

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.

POPULATION: 21,701. ALTITUDE: 648ft.

SCALE.

0 100 500

P.O. Telegraph. Telephone.

A: LA PRINCERIE.]

A VISIT TO THE CITY OF VERDUN

_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_.

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.

_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=.

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.

_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).

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.

(_Compare with photos on pp. 35 and 37._)]

_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)._

_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=.

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.

_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.

(_Born at Verdun in 1695, General Chevert captured Prague in 1741. After a heroic defence, he capitulated in 1743, with the honours of War._)]

_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_).

Hôtel-de-Ville

As one of the lofty windows bears the date 1623, the popular belief that the building was erected by the famous Governor Marillac is unfounded. It is possible, however, that tradition, according to which Marillac sheltered Marie de Médicis there, after her flight from Paris, is founded on fact.

It is a fine structure in the Medicis style. The façade which overlooks the garden resembles that of the Luxembourg in Paris in some of its lines.

_At the side of the Hôtel-de-Ville, at No. 19, is the house of M. Clément._

A learned amateur, Monsieur Clément, who was killed during the bombardments of 1916, had collected a considerable number of fragments of the Abbey of St. Vanne and rebuilt the principal doorway of the latter (_see p. 52_) in the courtyard of his house. The famous door of the Capitulary Room, described and drawn by Viollet-le-Duc, was of curious 13th-century design. The lintel of the tympanum was ornamented with foliage, which is an interesting peculiarity, as the sculptural decoration of the tympanums of doors was very rare at that time in civil architecture.

_Return to the Place Chevert, cross the St. Croix Bridge, and go to the Place d’Armes_ via _the Place and Rue Mazel_, whose houses are in ruins.

Turn to the left into the Rue St. Pierre. In the Place d’Armes take the Rue de la Belle-Vierge as far as the =Hôtel de la Princerie=, former residence of the “primicerius,” first archdeacon of the Cathedral.

Rebuilt in 1525, it has been divided in recent times into two houses, Nos. 16 and 18. While the façade of No. 18 was modern, that of No. 16, with its window-gratings, retained its ancient aspect. The courtyard was ornamented on two of its sides with two-storied Renaissance galleries (_hist. mon._). Although of 16th-century construction, the decoration of this cloister was inspired by the Middle Age or Transition Period (_note the crocketted capitals of the pillars and the bases of the latter_).

The house was destroyed by the bombardments, and the cloister is almost entirely in ruins.

The street took its name from a statue of the Virgin on the monumental entrance-gate of the deanery.

_Take the Rue de la Magdeleine on the left, beyond the deanery, as far as the_ =Place de la Magdeleine=.

At No. 2 of this square is an early 16th-century house (sometimes called the “Maison de Jules II.”), with a carved triangular pediment supported by two pillars. Built after the decease of Pope Julius II., it was probably erected on the site of the house where he lived while still Cardinal Julian de la Rovère.

_At No. 19 of the square, cross the house in ruins to a kind of garden-terrace at the back_, built on the site of the old ramparts, vestiges of which are still visible. Fine view of the ruins in the Rues Mazel, Châtel and St. Esprit.

_Take the Rues Châtel and Belle-Vierge to the_ =Cathedral= (_see Itinerary, p. 31_).

THE CATHEDRAL (_hist. mon._)

The Cathedral of Verdun, like that of Angers, was one of the first French churches to be dedicated to the Virgin. In the 7th or 8th centuries its patronal festival was The Nativity, but this was changed to The Assumption at the beginning of the 19th century.

It is an ancient edifice, but has often been restored and altered. The original 5th-century church, which it replaced, was built on the ruins of a Roman _castrum_, like those of Rheims, Metz and Trèves.

The Cathedral was consecrated in 1147 by Pope Eugenius III., assisted by eighteen cardinals and St. Bernard. The plans were made by the Rhenish architect Garin, and, contrarily to French practice, included two transepts and two apses. With its four similar spires, two on each choir, it looked, according to a popular saying, like a “bahut” (chest of drawers on legs), turned upside down.

The fire of 1755 caused important alterations to be made which, without suppressing the main lines of the Cathedral, disfigured the interior. These alterations explain the lack of harmony in the edifice.

The four Roman towers with spires disappeared after 1755. Only the two western towers were replaced by the present large ones.

The Cathedral did not greatly suffer from the bombardment of 1916, during the German offensive, but that of April–May, 1917, damaged it very seriously. The vaults were either pierced or brought down, and the roof destroyed. Near the apsis a big shell tore open the ground, bringing to light an unknown subterranean passage or crypt.

In the foreground: Roof of nave, east transept, and great choir of Cathedral.

In the middle-ground: The Meuse; on the left, Chaussée Gate; in the middle, Military Club.

In the background: Line of trees marking the ramparts; behind, Belleville Village (on the left) and the Pavé Faubourg.

On the horizon: Belleville Hills.]

_The tourist, arriving at the Place de la Cathédrale_, via _the Rue de la Belle-Vierge (see Itinerary, p. 31), finds himself in front of the North Façade (photo opposite)_.

In the middle: The towers around the old choir.

On the left: The North Front and Main Doorway.

On the right: Entrance to Margueritte College, leading to the Bishop’s Palace and the Cloister (_see pp. 49–51_).]

_In the middle_ is the entrance portal; _on the right_, the Western Transept and the Towers enclosing the remarkable, square-shaped old Choir; _on the left_, the Eastern Transept and polygonal apsis of the Great Choir (_photo below_).

_In front of the Towers, on the right of this photograph, is the_ entrance to Margueritte College, _giving access to the_ Bishop’s Palace _and the_ Cloister (_see pp. 49–51_).

The Entrance Portal

(_North Front_)

The Gable and Buttresses of the portal are 13th century. Its secular ornamentation replaced, in the 18th century, Gothic statues, which were destroyed as uncouth.

The portal is placed between two chapels; that on the right (16th century) is called “The Chaplet,” on account of the chaplets carved on the buttresses.

The Towers

The present bells weigh four and six tons respectively and date from 1756. They were so cast as to have the same proportions and tones as those of the St. Germain-des-Prés Church in Paris.

The Apse of the Great Choir

The basement is the remains of a Roman apse. The upper portion dates from the end of the 14th century.

The bas-reliefs are Roman carvings, re-utilised in the Gothic buttresses. _From right to left_ they represent _Adam and Eve_; the _Annunciation_ (the Virgin and Angel are separated by a tree, whose shape recalls the Tree of Life on the Chaldean cylinders reproduced on the cloth-stuffs exported from Byzantium); _Cain and Abel (through an error in perspective, frequently to be found in Egyptian art, the bust and trunk of the two patriarchs are shown in profile, whilst the feet are facing frontwards)_; an unknown bishop.

In the background: The old choir and organ-loft (the organs had been removed). In the foreground: The marble balustrade of the Great Choir protected by sandbags]

The Great Nave and two Choirs

The Great Nave was very seriously damaged by the bombardments. Several bays of the vaulting fell in, leaving bare the timber-work of the roof in ruins.

_On entering the Cathedral by the Central Portal in the North Front (see p. 43)_ the old Choir _(photos, p. 44) is on the right, and the_ Great Choir with ciborium _(p. 45) on the left_.

In the background: The Old Choir and the Great Organ. In the foreground: The balustrade of the Great Choir]

In the background: The Great Choir and the Ciborium. The ruined vaults have bared the damaged framework of the roof]

The old square choir is intersected by the great organ, as at Albi.

The decoration of the Great Choir dates from 1760. The marble balustrade (_see p. 44_) is a copy of that in the Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, and replaced the old lateral walls and rood-loft. The gilded canopy, which is a transformation of the antique ciborium of the Gallo-Roman churches, is supported by four twisted columns of grey marble. It is a copy of that of St. Peter’s at Rome. Behind it are eighty-six stalls in two superposed rows, and carved panelling (_see p. 46_).

(The Ciborium was the canopy supported by columns which covered the altars in the early Christian basilicas.)]

=Stalls and Woodwork of the Great Choir.=—Classed as an historical monument in 1905, this Rococo-style woodwork by Lacour of Toul is remarkable for its somewhat secular elegance and fine finish. During the bombardment of Verdun in 1916–1918 it was taken down and put in a place of safety.

Photographed with the woodwork of the Great Choir at the Exhibition of the Evacuated Art Treasures held in Paris]

=St. Saintin’s Shrine.=—This 14th-century shrine contains the relics of the first bishop of Verdun, and is said to represent the ancient church of the Premonstrants of St. Paul.

The South Aisle and Holy Sacrament Chapel

The numerous collateral chapels are 14th, 15th and 16th century. The most interesting is that of the Holy Sacrament. It was finished in 1402, and is Radial-Gothic in style.

In the neighbouring transept there was formerly a “puits” (well), which offended Louis XIV. when he visited the Cathedral in 1687. The Chapter had it filled up and covered with a stone, on which was carved the letter “P.”

The Chapel of the Virgin contains an interesting mutilated monument to Archdeacon Wassebourg, carved in the 16th century to perpetuate the true image of Our Lady of Verdun seated and crowned.

_Enter the courtyard of the Bishop’s Palace by the door of the Margueritte College (see p. 43). The Seminary seen in the background of the photo has been completely destroyed since 1916. The door with steps in front led formerly to a staircase descending to the Cloister. In May, 1919, this staircase was easily accessible, in spite of the débris all around._

The Bishop’s Palace