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Trench Warefare in Battles. The Battle of Verdun The Battle of the Somme. Trench Life. Wet, Soggy, Rat and Lice Infested Food Shortages Trench foot – foot rot Shell Shock – soldiers get Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome Spent long periods of time in Trenches.
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Trench Warefare in Battles The Battle of Verdun The Battle of the Somme
Trench Life • Wet, Soggy, Rat and Lice Infested • Food Shortages • Trench foot – foot rot • Shell Shock – soldiers get Post-Traumatic Stress syndrome • Spent long periods of time in Trenches
What is a “Battle of Attrition?” • “Bleed the Enemy White” • Meaning: wear down the enemy with continuous pressure so that they surrender no matter what the cost
The Battle of Verdun February 21st – December 18th, 1916
Where the Battle Occurred • Fort of Verdun • Extreme significance to French • Heavy French fortification • In short, it was of greater value symbolically than strategically.
What happened • Feb. to Dec. • Germany offensive of French lines • Germany gained land • French fight back to regain land • Result: • French casualties - 550,000 • German casualties - 434,000 • ½ of total were fatalities. • The only real effect of the battle was the irrevocable wounding of both armies. • No tactical or strategic advantage had been gained by either side.
The Battle of the Somme July 1st – November 18th, 1916
What happened • Britain bombarded Germany for 8 days end - June 28, 1916 • Walked across lines to see what little was left of Germany • Germany was ready
Result of 1st Day • Loss of 58,000 British troops (one third of them killed) on the first day of the battle • Became the Greatest loss in British military history
Result of Battle • Ended mid-Nov. • 420,000 British casualties • 200,000 French casualties. • 500,000 German Casualties • All for the British and French gain of 12 kilometres of ground