Battle of Verdun
February 21 – December 18, 1916 · Verdun, France
Result French victory
World War I battle of 21 February to 18 December 1916 on the Western Front, at 302 days the longest of the war. Germany's 5th Army attacked the French fortified region of Verdun hoping to bleed France white; Philippe Petain ordered no retreat, and French counter-offensives recaptured Fort Douaumont and Fort Vaux. Total casualties reached about 714,000, and the battle became a French national symbol of determination.
Allies
Central Powers
Other
Paul von Hindenburg
military commander, Took over the German high command in August 1916
Erich Ludendorff
military commander, Took over the German high command in August 1916
Erich von Falkenhayn
Chief of the German General Staff, Planned the offensive
Wilhelm, German Crown Prince
military commander
Max von Gallwitz
military commander
Strength and losses
- Casualties
- 379,000–400,000
- Killed
- 148,000–160,000
- Wounded
- 216,000
- Casualties
- 336,000–355,000
- Killed
- 71,000–143,000
Units
5th Army (German Empire)
XVIII Corps (German Empire)
103rd Infantry Division (German Empire)
10th Division (German Empire)
113th Infantry Division (German Empire)
121st Infantry Division (German Empire)
13th Division (German Empire)
14th Division (German Empire)
21st Division (German Empire)
25th Division (German Empire)
28th Division (German Empire)
29th Division (German Empire)
30th Division (German Empire)
33rd Division (German Empire)
34th Division (German Empire)
38th Division (German Empire)
39th Division (German Empire)
4th Division (German Empire)
50th Infantry Division (German Empire)
54th Infantry Division (German Empire)
56th Infantry Division (German Empire)
58th Infantry Division (German Empire)
5th Division (German Empire)
6th Division (German Empire)