The Battle of Verdun (from 21 February to 18 December 1916) was the largest and longest battle of the WW1
on the Western Front between the German and French armies. The battle took place on the hills north of Verdun-sur-Meuse
in north-eastern France. The German 5th Army attacked the defences of the Fortified Region of Verdun (RFV, Région Fortifiée de Verdun)
and those of the French 2nd Army on the right bank of the Meuse. Inspired by the experience of the Second Battle of Champagne in 1915,
the Germans planned to capture the Meuse Heights rapidly, because this was an excellent defensive position with good observation
for the artillery to bombard Verdun. The Germans hoped that the French would commit their strategic reserve to recapture the
position and suffer catastrophic losses in a battle of annihilation, not costly for the Germans because of their tactical advantage.
Poor weather delayed the beginning of the German attack until 21 February, but the Germans enjoyed initial success, capturing
Fort Douaumont in the first 3 days of the offensive. Afterwards the German advance slowed, despite many French casualties