Trench Warefare in Battles The Battle of Verdun

Trench Warefare in Battles The Battle of Verdun The Battle of the Somme

Trench Life O Wet, Soggy, Rat and Lice Infested O Food Shortages O Trench foot – foot rot O Shell Shock – soldiers get Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome O Spent long periods of time in Trenches

What is a “Battle of Attrition? ” O “Bleed the Enemy White” O Meaning: wear down the enemy with continuous pressure so that they surrender no matter what the cost

The Battle of Verdun February 21 st – December 18 th, 1916

Where the Battle Occurred O Fort of Verdun O Extreme significance to French O Heavy French fortification O In short, it was of greater value symbolically than strategically.

O Feb. to Dec. What happened O Germany offensive of French lines O Germany gained land O French fight back to regain land O Result: O French casualties - 550, 000 O German casualties - 434, 000 O ½ of total were fatalities. O The only real effect of the battle was the irrevocable wounding of both armies. O No tactical or strategic advantage had been gained by either side.

The Battle of the Somme July 1 st – November 18 th, 1916

Where did it Occur

What happened O Britain bombarded Germany for 8 days end - June 28, 1916 O Walked across lines to see what little was left of Germany O Germany was ready

Result of 1 st Day O Loss of 58, 000 British troops (one third of them killed) on the first day of the battle O Became the Greatest loss in British military history

Result of Battle O Ended mid-Nov. O 420, 000 British casualties O 200, 000 French casualties. O 500, 000 German Casualties O All for the British and French gain of 12 kilometres of ground