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
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