On the morning of February 21, Germans launched their attacks, and by February 23, villages Brabant-sur-Meus, Wavrille, and Samogneux were in German possession. Poor weather delayed the beginning of German attacks.The road connecting the main rails at Bar-le-Duc to Verdun became vital to the French defense, and it became known as La Voie Sacrée, meaning “the Sacred Way”. Germans had cut and kept constant attacks on the main rail lines to Verdun, forcing the French to organize a motorized supply chain to transport men and matériel – military equipment – to the front. They hastily sent thousands of men and dozens of weapons to defend against the German offensive.German troops located on the right bank of the Meuse River were found by a French intelligence officer on February 11, 1916, but as the French had made preparations focused mostly on the offensive, they were almost too late in defending Verdun. By early January 1916, the French were able to detect German preparations for the attack on Verdun.The tactical plan was to do a series of continuous advances, to be secured by artillery bombardment.The Meuse heights would also be an excellent defensive position and could serve for good observation for fire on Verdun. The fortress of Verdun was chosen, as the Germans believed that its surrounding fortifications along the Meuse River were a threat to German communication lines, and losing it would greatly affect French morale.In, choosing where to attack, Falkenhayn believed that Germany must attack France by choosing a point of offense “for the retention of which the French would be compelled to throw in every man they have.”.Implementing a strategy of attrition will be done through constant attack and harassment of the enemy, aiming to exhaust them. Through a strategy of attrition, Falkenhayn believed that Germany must exhaust French forces. ![]() The general believed that Britain’s most valuable “weapons” in the war were the French, Russian, and Italian armies, but considered Russia as already paralyzed and Italy unlikely to affect the war, concluding that only France remained.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |