Fields of Battle - Verdun
Observation cupola atop the fort of Douaumont. Built in 1884 and improved to withstand developments in artillery due to a failure in command the fort had been largely de-manned prior to the battle and was only garrisoned by about 80 gunners. It was captured by a patrol of the 24th Brandenburgers who managed to get into un-guarded tunnel entrance in the NE corner of the glacis on April 26th. It's dominant position in the battlefield gave it great strategic importance and for eight months until October it was the focus of repeated attacks by the French who finally re-captured it on Oct 24th: estimates are that the French suffered over 100, 000 casualties in their efforts to regain this fortress which in the end was abandoned by the Germans
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Atop Attacks Battlefields Brandenburgers Casualties Cupola Developments Dominant Douaumont Efforts Estimates Failure Finally Focus Garrisoned Glacis Gunners Importance Improved Largely Managed Regain Repeated Strategic Suffered Withstand
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