Important Battles of WWI Key Engagements from 1914 to 1918.
Tanneberg August
Tannenberg Fought between Germany and Russia Germans halt Russian advance into Prussia (now Poland) with an overwhelming victory. First and most decisive battle on the Eastern Front. Only because of the sheer numbers of troops she could muster was Russia able to continue the war. Russian losses-300,000+90,000 POWs. German losses-20,000
Russians surrendering at Tannenberg
1st Battle of the Marne Sep 1914
1st Battle of the Marne Fought between France/Britain and Germany. Halted the initial German advance into France. Led to “Race to the Sea” and static (trench) warfare French/British losses-263,000 German losses-220,000
The Taxis of the Marne
2nd Battle of Ypres April 1915
2nd Battle of Ypres French/British v. Germany German attempt to push back Ypres “salient”. German advance thwarted. 1st use of poison gas French/British losses-70,000 German losses-35,000
Gas,Gas,Gas!
Gas Victims
Verdun Feb-Dec 1916
Verdun France v. Germany German goal-”To bleed France white”. French felt honor-bound to defend Verdun for historical reasons. Led to Battle of the Somme as means of relief of pressure on Verdun/French army. Largely an artillery battle. No real strategic value. Became a symbol of the futility of war. French losses-400,000 German losses-355,000
Fortress at Verdun-Before
Fortress at Verdun-After
Germans Attacking Verdun
Battle of the Somme July-Nov 1916
Battle of the Somme Britain/France v. Germany Allied attempt to relieve pressure on Verdun and break German lines. Poorly planned and executed. Bloodiest battle in history. 6 miles gained Succeeded in drawing many German units away from Verdun. 1st tanks used in WWI. British/French losses-624,000 German losses-465,000
British Trench
Mine explosion
British Mark V Tank
Into No-man’s Land
Destroyed German trench
Passchendaele
Passchendaele July-Nov 1917 British v. Germany 3rd battle of Ypres “salient”. Allied attempt to take high ground from Germans and hinder U-boat ops. Horrible weather a major factor. Unsuccessful except for keeping Germans occupied while French recovered from major mutiny problems. Another example of apparent disregard for soldiers lives. British losses-275,000 German losses-200,000
Germans helping a Brit
Mud and combat don’t mix
Spring Offensive March-June 1918
Spring Offensive Britain/France/USA v. Germany German attempt to break-through and end stalemate. Initially successful-gained back most of Somme region Halted at 2nd Marne with help of influx of US soldiers. Allied losses-unclear German losses-over 1,000,000
Germans attack
Over the top!
Amiens August 1918
Amiens Allies v. Germany Allied counterattack to Spring Offensive Allies finally achieve breakthrough. August 8-”black day of the German Army”. Led to call for Armistice and end of war. Allied Losses-Far fewer than Germany for the first time in the war German losses-Almost as many prisoners as casualties- unprecedented in the war.
Victors!
Vanquished!
Other important battles/regional engagements
Gallipoli Feb 1915-Jan 1916
Gallipoli Part of Middle East campaign. Allies v. Ottoman Empire Allied attempt to open supply route to Russia and knock Ottomans out of war. Poor intel,planning, execution. Horrendous conditions. High casualty rate. Total failure except for Turkish attrition. Allied losses-220,000 (59%) Turkish Losses-251,000 (61%)
LZ at ANZAC Cove
Difficult terrain
Turks on the high ground
Over the top-Middle East style
Mustafa Kemal and Co.
Caporetto Oct 1917
Caporetto Italy v. Austria/Germany Last of 12 battles along Isonzo River. First time Germany assisted Austria. Complete route of Italian army. Other allies had to assist Italy. Austria eventually defeated. Italy losses- 40, ,000 Pows
A view of the mountain terrain