This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Verdun, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the First World War on the Western Front, fought from 21 February to 18 December 1916 at Verdun-sur-Meuse in north-eastern France.
The total number of casualties in this Franco-German battle will never be known for certain, however they are estimated at 750,000 men in 299 days of battle, roughly 330,000 German casualties, of whom 143,000 killed or missing and 187,000 wounded. French casualties were estimated at 380,000, of whom 185,000 killed or missing and 195,000 wounded. The actual figures are still being debated to this date. By today's standards these losses are staggering, in fact mind-boggling. Valour, determination, fear and ignorance were among the many factors. 2,390,000 soldiers took part in this battle. Let's not forget that many animals as well, from horses to pigeons and dogs, also served, many of them accomplishing incredible acts of valour. Lest We Forget the horrors of war.
The total number of casualties in this Franco-German battle will never be known for certain, however they are estimated at 750,000 men in 299 days of battle, roughly 330,000 German casualties, of whom 143,000 killed or missing and 187,000 wounded. French casualties were estimated at 380,000, of whom 185,000 killed or missing and 195,000 wounded. The actual figures are still being debated to this date. By today's standards these losses are staggering, in fact mind-boggling. Valour, determination, fear and ignorance were among the many factors. 2,390,000 soldiers took part in this battle. Let's not forget that many animals as well, from horses to pigeons and dogs, also served, many of them accomplishing incredible acts of valour. Lest We Forget the horrors of war.
This is a brave messenger dog called Satan survived a hail of German bullets to help turn the tide in the bloody Battle of Verdun. Pitifully wounded, he staggered through no-man’s-land with a broken leg. And even after seeing his master shot dead he pressed on to bring hope to a besieged battalion – encouraging them to renew the fight and end the enemy push on Paris. Satan’s amazing dash is an almost-forgotten act of valour in one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War.
American war reporter Albert Peyson Terhune wrote: “The garrison was able to hold out until reinforcements came all because one hairy mongrel refused to die while his errand was still uncompleted and because he was too loyal to quit.”
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento