Verdun: German attempt to break the stalemate on the Western Front

The German high command knew that continued stalemate would further hurt the ability of the German economy to sustain military operations.  The British Royal Navy had blocked the North Sea shipping lanes via a blockade effectively shutting off supplies of food and other material to German industry and the population.  A  decisive blow was needed to hasten the end of the war and relief from the blockade.  Verdun was a road block on the road to Paris.

The attack commenced on February 21, 1916, with a massive artillery barrage (some 2,000,000 shells).  The fire was directed on French fortifications.  Fort Douaumont was left in ruins.  The French Army continued to resist by being supplied with supplies and replacement soldiers down a single road named the "voie sacree" (sacred way).  Verdun was a killing ground of the first order with approximately 500,000 killed on both sides.  The German forces were not successful in capturing Verdun.

I have visited Verdun three times since 1991.  The following are personal photographs of those visits:

French cemetery in front of the Douaumont Ossuary

Douaumont Ossuary Tower

The first floor of the Tower has plaques memorialising every Department of France.  Under the floor is the Ossuary holding unidentified remains of soldiers.  The bones can be seen through small windows in the basement.  Out of respect, I did not take pictures of the remains.

Memorial to defenders of Verdun

Memorial Museum at Verdun

 

A visit to the museum is well worth the admission charge.

Understanding World War I requires a visit to Verdun.  I recommend a rental car to gain the most from your visit.  You can take a train from Gare de L'est (Paris) changing at Chalons sur Marne for Verdun.  Check with the station information booth for exact instructions.

During the summer months, the Tourist Bureau in Verdun offers guided tours of the battlefield.  Check ahead on the availability of the bus tours.  Here is the link:

http://www.en.verdun-tourisme.com/