Download Fortifications of Verdun 1874-1917 (Fortress, Volume 103) by Clayton Donnell PDF

By Clayton Donnell

ISBN: 1849084122
EAN: 9781849084123
ASIN: 1849084122
Publisher: Osprey Publishing
Publication Date: 2011-04-19
Number of Pages: 64
Website: Amazon, LibraryThing, Google Books, Goodreads
Synopsis from Amazon:
The conflict of Verdun is without doubt one of the ideal and notorious battles in background. whereas the conflict is remembered for acts of horror, bravery, and honor, it's also heavily entwined with the hoop of fortifications outfitted to shield the most important city of Verdun at the Meuse River that lay within the course of the German attack.

When one thinks of Verdun, one additionally thinks of Douaumont and Vaux, forts at the a ways fringe of the battlefield that got here to represent the French fight to regain their land from the Germans. within the months after its catch, fortress Douaumont's turtle-shaped heights stood as an final goal and driver for the French military. The bad strive against that happened within the tunnels of castle Vaux serves as an instance of ways the French tried to carry directly to the final inch of land to the final man.

From 1874 to the outbreak of worldwide struggle I in 1914, development and development of the fortifications of Verdun persisted continuous. It used to be thought of by way of army engineers to be the most powerful position in Europe and certainly it might probably were when it comes to flanking fireplace insurance of the battlefield, firepower from its 155mmnn and 75mm weapons and howitzers, and its concrete safety. despite the fact that, none of this got here to the brain of normal Pétain whilst, after the unanticipated and successive destruction of the forts of Liège, Namur, Antwerp, and Maubeuge by way of the German heavy siege weapons, he determined that everlasting forts have been now not of significant value.

As a consequence, all of Verdun's artillery items no longer in fastened turrets have been got rid of and the fort garrisons stripped all the way down to upkeep crews. hence, it used to be a really assorted fort that confronted the Germans in 1916. even if, because the conflict stepped forward and the worth of the forts, not just as patriotic symbols yet strategic pursuits and robust strongholds was once regained, the tide became back, affecting not just the result of the conflict, yet destiny army engineering techniques and concepts that will finally produce the Maginot Line.

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Additional info for Fortifications of Verdun 1874-1917 (Fortress, Volume 103)

Sample text

There was brief fighting but at 1145hrs on 15 June Fort Douaumont surrendered without a shot fired. Just 15 minutes later Fort Vaux also surrendered. THE SITE TODAY No battlefield in France, and perhaps in all of Europe, is more sacred than Verdun.

The guns in the turrets were left because they could not operate in the field. The forts were also emptied of their garrisons, leaving behind a small crew to fire the turret guns. This seemed a good strategy at the time, as the forts no longer played a key military role. However, in the opening days of the battle of Verdun this strategy was revealed to be a mistake. The French Army expected an attack on Verdun at the end of 1915. When it came, the Army planned to destroy the remaining offensive and defensive capabilities of the forts so they could not be used by the Germans, as mentioned in Général Benôit’s note.

New underground galleries were dug out, accessible by shafts. The shafts ranged in depth from 5 to 15m, depending on the ground above, whether rock or earth. The shafts permitted the garrison to access underground command posts, barracks, food supplies, munitions, water wells, kitchens and latrines. They also provided safe access to the turrets and casemates. Electric lights were installed and in some tunnels heating ducts were added. The new underground system was connected by tunnels to rear entrances outside the perimeter of the fort, allowing the soldiers to escape if the fort came under siege.

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