The rulers of the Central Powers stumped by Verdun. Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary, Mohammed V of Turkey, Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany, and Czar Ferdinand of Bulgaria puzzle over a map labeled "Verdun." The ink and watercolor drawing is dated March 4, 1916. By R. DLC?The German assault on Verdun began on February 21, 1916 and continued through August.
Illustrated map labeled "Verdun." Drawing dated March 4, 1916. By R. DLC?
"Our forefathers of the Revolution refused to treat with the enemy as long as he defiled by his presence the consecrated soil of France, as long as he was not forced back behind our natural boundaries, and as long as the triumph of justice and liberty was not assured. Through the muzzles of your guns and on the points of your bayonets, France has given her answer. You have acted as the embassadors of the French Republic. The French Republic thanks you."
French General Charles Mangin's address to his troops after the attack of December 15, 1916. In the action, the French continued the recapture (begun in October) of land and forts lost in the course of the Battle of Verdun. General Henri Pétain quotes Mangin's address approvingly as 'the best possible answer to Germany's [December 12] proposals for peace.' Mangin, nicknamed The Butcher, had arrived at Verdun with General Robert Nivelle, and would continue to support him in the coming year.
Verdun by Henri Philippe Pétain, page 208, copyright © 1930, publisher: The Dial Press, publication date: 1930
Battle of Verdun, Verdun, Mangin
