Verdun 1916: 'They shall not pass'

by Ian Drury, William Martin, Howard Gerrard (Illustrator)

Overview

Osprey's examination of the destructive events of a pivotal battle of World War I (1914-1918). 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781855329935
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	08/22/2001
Series:	Campaign , #93
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	7.24(w) x 9.87(h) x 0.23(d)

About the Author

Ian Drury, an experienced editor and military writer, has published a number of books and articles on aspects of military history as varied as the Russo-Turkish War, Confederate Infantry, German WWI Stormtroopers and the Second World War on the Russian Front, and that's just for Osprey! He has made a particular study of the battle of Verdun over a number of years, one result of which has been his now legendary Verdun wargame Hommes Soupes.

William Martin served in Naval Intelligence for many years and now living in Charente, France, where he devotes his time to military history and cognac. A regular contributor to a number of military and current affairs journals, he is now writing a new biography of Marshal Petain. This is his first book for Osprey.

Howard Gerrard studied at the Wallasey School of Art and has been a freelance designer and illustrator for over 20 years. He has won both the Society of British Aerospace Companies Award and the Wilkinson Sword Trophy and has illustrated a number of books for Osprey including Campaign 69: Nagashino 1575 and Campaign 72: Jutland 1916. Howard lives and works in Kent.

Table of 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