Introduction
Knee Deep Into History… For France and Germany, the Battle of Verdun that began in February 1916 is synonymous with an inhuman, ruthless, industrialized war. On the shell-riddled, heavily-fortified battlefield of Verdun, the individual was only a tiny cog in a gigantic machine and at the mercy of a industrialized warfare. Hundreds of thousands of young French and Germans lost their lives or health here during the 300 days of fighting that raged in 1916.
More recently, however, Verdun also stands as a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation. One of the latest examples is the ‘Partnership of Peace’ signed in 2019 between the French community of Douaumont-Vaux and the German city of Rheinbach.
More than 500 kilometers of trenches, countless monuments, and dozens of fortresses and concrete structures can still be found around the small town of Verdun. The battlefield is also dotted with large and small cemeteries, where the fallen soldiers of both sides were laid to rest.
For all these reasons Verdun is one the most unique and impressive battlefields of the First World War and is worth a visit. Get knee deep into history as we explore the context of the fighting and individual human stories.
Brief Scheule (See Brochure for Full Details)
Sunday, 5 May. Pick up at CDG at 12:00pm. Some afternoon stops, followed by the introductory briefing and dinner beginning early evening.
Monday, 6 May. Focus on the East Bank of the Meuse River, including the initial assault, Fort Douaumont, Fleury and Fort Vaux.
Tuesday, 7 May. Focus on the West Bank of the Meuse River, including Forges and Forges Forest, Hill 304 and le Mort Homme. Late afternoon drive back to CDG. We anticipate arriving at CDG at 19h00.
What Makes This Tour Unique?
KDIH tour guide, Markus Klauer, has been researching the Verdun battle for decades. He has written two books (in German) on the West Bank fighting. He was one of three Germans to receive a Bronze Medal from the Mayor of Verdun in November, 2019, and he is currently working with the ONF (French National Forest Office) to select and preserve historic sites in the French national forests around Verdun.
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2024 They Shall Not Pass Verdun 1916-17 Tour FINAL
2024 Terms and Conditions FINAL
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