major military operation of World War I, which entered the annals of history under the name "Verdun grinder", was the first important event of the twentieth century.The battle took place between the German and French troops on the Western Front during ten months.However, despite the huge number of casualties on both sides, France has managed to defend its independence.On the field of battle was decided as the very fate of the country and its territorial integrity.British historian Alistair Hori wrote about this battle because "never before, none of the commanders or strategists did not expect a victory by holding the deadly bleeding.Such an idea could only present a brutal First World War, when completely hardened leaders looked at the lives of people just like on some units. "
Strategy for Germany 1916
Victory previous years were given in Germany is expensive.Within the country, people were starving, but the army was holding dislocation of fronts.Resources were limited and the military council has identified three problems that can be solved.They concerned the three most powerful adversaries, Russia, Britain and France.Regarding the European giants, it was decided to support the revolutionary movement.What Alexander Gelfand immediately received 1 million rubles.England decided to fend off the attack unrestricted submarine.In respect of France, it was decided to find the most promising place in the line of deployment of troops and make it a breakthrough.This site was found in the form of a small ledge near Verdun.Winning it provides an open passage to Paris, followed by the surrender of French troops.Then followed a competent development situation - the Battle of Verdun.
Prepare for battle
In the area of the front length of 15 kilometers on the one hand there are two divisions of French troops.Germany submitted against them six and a half of its divisions and almost all the power of artillery.Thus, the Germans hoped to achieve a breakthrough and subsequent continuous offensive.Battle of Verdun began with the fact that the sky was completely cleared from the French aircraft that German bombers could freely and easily do the trick.That is at the very beginning of the campaign decided on one of the systematic problems - the prevalence of airspace.German spotters fire tried to glory.By the way, it is to say that the French squadron "Nieuport" unable to fully participate in the battles in May.Thus began the battle of Verdun.
battle began near Verdun fortified area
As is clear from the training, "Verdun grinder" was predetermined by the German command initially.In the morning, the Germans began an artillery training, which lasted 8 hours after the German troops launched an offensive on a section front - by the river Meuse.But there they awaited the stubborn resistance of the French.The Germans were advancing infantry tight battle order in which separate groups were formed in a single tier.Ahead of moving scouts and assault brigade, reinforced grenade throwers, machine guns and flamethrower.Thus, the "Verdun grinder" on the first day was marked by the advance of the German troops in the two kilometers to the rear of the French occupation, and their first position.
February-March 1916
French did not expect such a powerful impact.It was only after the first day began to pull to the Verdun additional military units.In addition, they count on the help of England.But North Albion fought and so lukewarm, and especially not in a hurry to the aid of allies.The Germans did not change tactics in the coming days from morning till evening worked as artillery, processing area, and by night it took the infantry.All the French forts were lost after 4 days.The French command, albeit belatedly, has taken steps: cars transported from other parts of the front military units in the amount of 190 thousand soldiers and 25 tons of cargo.As a result, the German advance was stopped by a margin of manpower (1.5 times).Battle of Verdun acquired protracted.
lake naroch offensive Russian
position of French troops were relieved lake naroch offensive Russian.At the request of the French commander in chief Joffre Russian bid has taken a diversion.On the territory of modern Belarus in Minsk region - near Lake Naroch - two days of continued shelling of German troops.What followed were spent massive infantry attacks that could hardly contain German troops.During this time, a portion of the front were moved additional forces and the Russian offensive was repulsed.But the desired result was obtained - Verdun attack stopped for two weeks, and the French were able to provide a "rear".
battle dragged
The French were able to create a "holy road" on which intensive supply its troops.The operation is clearly delayed.The Germans have changed the tactics in March their main attack is directed to the left bank of the river Meuse.But, despite all the efforts of the German troops, by May they were able to move only 6 kilometers.Also in May, he has been appointed the new commander Robert Nivelle, who tried to organize an offensive, but all attempts to recapture the fort Duamon were offset by the Germans and then the French army was completely abandoned to their former positions.
Brusilovsky breakthrough and the final situation at Verdun
7 June the Germans attacked and captured the fort in it, advancing 1 kilometer into the territory of the French.The attack could be continued, but the summer of 1916 Russian troops prepared an unexpected surprise for the German army at Lutsk began a major offensive.Keep the attack was not possible.As a result, for the whole summer, German troops were diverted to the Eastern Front, and the actions of Verdun minimized.In addition, in contrast to the spring campaign, Russian troops have won a real victory and occupied eastern Galicia and Bukovina.In addition, the operation called "Brusilovsky breakthrough" was a completely new type of offensive measures.The German troops were weakened and forced to go on the Western Front in defense.In October, the French army moved to clear the offensive and by December returned to its position, which was in the beginning of the battle."Verdun grinder" ended.
Results and significance of the Battle of Verdun
No strategic and tactical tasks, "Verdun grinder" in 1916 did not solve: the French troops took their same position.But if you count the losses, the Battle of Verdun has surpassed all expectations.Both sides have lost more than 1 million soldiers, of whom about 430,000 were killed.Verdun in 1916 opened an era of brutal wars of the twentieth century.But the results still were at Verdun crashed strategic plan of the Germans.And from that moment the military historians have noted the depletion of Germany's war potential.Note also that in the battle of Verdun were first used chemical shells, light machine guns, flamethrowers and grenade rifle.Also, was first tested regrouping troops by road, assault groups were created, to increase the density of shelling, used assault action aircraft.
