Verdun 1917 (Paperback)
The French Hit Back
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Series: Battleground: WWI
Pages: 288
Illustrations: 75 black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781526717085
Published: 10th December 2020
Last Released: 20th September 2023
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| Other formats available | Price |
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| Verdun 1917 ePub (37.5 MB) Add to Basket | £6.99 |
Unlike the popular view, the French army did not cease offensive operations after the disastrous Nivelle Offensive of spring 1917 and the subsequent mutinies. Nor did the fighting at Verdun come to an end in 1916.
The successful French counter offensives at the end of that year led to preliminary planning for a two Army operation in 1917 to break out of the Verdun salient and recapture the strategically very significant Briey coal basin. The French Army mutinies of May and June 1917 led to a more limited version of the plan being implemented, with the aim of establishing new lines for a break out in 1918.
The need to rebuild morale in the French army meant that nothing was left to chance. The immense logistical effort of this late summer 1917 campaign and the detailed planning and careful training at all levels brought success to an army weary of war but determined to win. The industrial nature of the preparations, the spectacular numbers of guns and the first appearance of the Americans at Verdun presage the campaigns of 1918 and the final Allied victory.
Once more Christina Holstein, the premier expert in Britain of the battlefields around Verdun, leads the reader around the various vital points of this largely unknown battle of 1917, one which was vital for the rebuilding of a French army that played such a notable part in the victorious allied campaign of 1918.
As for all the books in the Battleground Europe series, it is profusely illustrated and mapped using contemporary and modern material, supported by clear maps to support each of the tours.
She has written an engaging and assured text sprinkled liberally with observations from the men who fought there. Those first-hand accounts illuminate the action, and in many cases, the horror of Verdun on both sides. Holstein’s book works well even for us stay-at-home readers who just want to know more about Verdun, and I think it would be indispensable for those who would visit the battlefield and surrounding countryside.
Beating Tsundoku
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As an introductory book to Verdun, I think it is superb and a real eye-opener, the photographs, maps, personal accounts and histories bring it to life, it’s certainly one I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with a growing interest – with the caveat that you really need to be aware of the significance of Verdun to both sides prior to 1916 and to read up on the events of 1916 for the subject of this book to be fully appreciated. I have certainly enjoyed reading it, as a ‘refresher’, it has jogged my memory to the many trips I have made to the area and I will certainly be taking this book with me when I revisit.
Army Rumour Service (ARRSE)
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One always thinks of the Battle of Verdun as one in which the French were heavily defeated. Christina Holstein sets the record straight in this terrific account of the continuing offensive in 1917.
Books Monthly
This book will tell you all about the battle at Verdun, the lead up, the actual battle, the aftermath and the connotations of the event on both sides. The book then takes you on 4 tours of the battlefield, all very good reading and I can only think would be further improved by being there in person.This book is obviously aimed at those that enjoy visiting battlefield tours, but I would say that it also appeals to the newbie, the regular WWI fan and the in-depth professional. There is literally something valuable for everyone whatever your knowledge. A very fine 5 star rating, everyone get out and buy it if you want to learn good concrete information.
UK Historian
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I learnt a lot more than I knew before about the story of Verdun and now have more inspiration to return to the area to explore it some more. Another excellent addition to this series and having briefly visited Verdun myself, well worth completing the set of Christina's books.
Military Model Scene, Robin Buckland
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… a good history and an interesting way to experience it yourself.
The Armourer, March 2021
Another excellent book by the author on Verdun. Cannot be faulted. Recommended.
Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide
About Christina Holstein
Christina Holstein is a leading authority on the Battle of Verdun. For many years she lived close to the battlefield and has explored it in great detail. She regularly conducts tours of the battlefield for individuals or groups and, with her specialized knowledge of the terrain, has acted as consultant to a number of other historians, TV producers and TV and radio journalists. Over the years she has written five books in the Battleground Europe series on the Battle of Verdun 1916. She was the founding chairman of the Luxembourg branch of the Western Front Association.
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