French and German school students are being invited to take part in a joint project reflecting on the historic significance of the Battle of Verdun in 1916.
‘Verdun – lieu de mémoire européen?’ has been launched as part of the centenary commemorations marking one of the longest and bloodiest campaigns of the First World War.
It’s a joint initiative between the French centenary organisation, Mission Centenaire and Eustory–France, part of a network of non-governmental organisations promoting historical research competitions for young people in European countries.
More details can be found on the Mission Centenaire 14-18 website. Registration for the competition is via Eustory-France.
The Battle of Verdun started in northeastern France on February 21st 1916.
Germany launched its offensive against the fortified town of Verdun with the aim of breaking the French armies.
The fighting lasted almost until Christmas and cost around 300,000 French and German lives.
The pressure on France had consequences elsewhere for British and Russian campaigns in 1916, notably the Battle of the Somme.
France will hold international commemorations marking the centenary of the Battle of Verdun on May 29th 2016.
Sources: Mission Centenaire 14-18; French Government; Wikipedia; various
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News