Verdun was the site of a major battle, the longest-lasting of the First World War. One of the costliest battles in military history, Verdun exemplified the policy of a war of attrition pursued by both sides, which led to an enormous loss of life and very long casualty lists.

Even so, the Germans were not prepared to give ground. Casualties rose as villages such as Fleury changed hands several times. There was also terrible fighting for the forts taken by the Germans earlier in the battle before these too fell to the French.

With French roots, Verdun means “green knoll,” and is considered a habitational or place name that was given to those who lived in Verdun, France. Verdun is the largest city in the Meuse department in Grand Est, France, and was also the location of the longest-lasting major battle of the First World War.

On February 21, 1916, the Germans attacked Verdun. Fort Douaumont was a prime target: it received about 800 shells in two days. In a few days, the front line came dangerously close to the fort. Four days after the beginning of the battle, it was in the hands of the German army.