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.

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

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.