About this book
On 21 February 1916 German General Erich von Falkenhayn unleashed his hammer-blow offensive against the French fortress city of Verdun. His aim was nothing short of the destruction of the French army. Falkenhayn was sure that the symbolic value of Verdun was such that the French would be 'compelled to throw in every man they have.' He was equally sure that 'if they do so the forces of France will bleed to death'. The massed batteries of German guns would smash the French troops in their trenches and bunkers. But the French hung on with immense courage and determination and the battle became a bloody war of attrition. This title describes the destructive events of this pivotal First World War battle.

Contents

• Origins of the Battle
• Opposing Commanders
• The Armies: The German Army
• The Armies: The French Army
• Opposing Plans
• The Battle
• Aftermath
• Chronology
• Bibliography
• The Battlefield Today
• Index

Paperback; August 2001; 96 pages; ISBN: 9781855329935