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French soldiers with small grenade launcher - Verdun, WWI
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French soldiers with small grenade launcher - Verdun, WWI
Trenches of Verdun - French soldiers with small grenade launcher - WWI. Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 11562408
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Grenade Launcher Launchers Trench Trenches Verdun
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a moment in the brutal history of the First World War, as French soldiers prepare to defend their trenches at the Battle of Verdun in circa 1916. The image shows a group of soldiers huddled together in the muddy and cratered terrain, each armed with a small, portable grenade launcher. The launchers, known as "fusil granat" or "granatgewehr" in French and German respectively, were a crucial component of trench warfare during the conflict. The Battle of Verdun, which raged from February to December 1916, was one of the longest and most destructive battles of the war. The German army launched an offensive against the French forces in an attempt to demoralize them and win a decisive victory. The battle resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, with an estimated 162,000 French and 142,000 German soldiers killed or wounded. The soldiers in this photograph are seen here taking a defensive stance, ready to launch grenades at the enemy positions. The grenades were loaded into the launcher, which was then aimed and fired using a trigger mechanism. The small size of the launcher made it easier for soldiers to maneuver in the confined spaces of the trenches and allowed them to engage the enemy at close range. Despite the brutal conditions and the relentless barrage of artillery and small arms fire, the French soldiers in this photograph remain determined and focused, a testament to their resilience and courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the First World War and the enduring impact of this pivotal moment in history.
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