1914_0906_05s: Flirting With Disaster - FWWC 01 France '14

Revigny to Verdun area, France, 6th September 1914: The Battle of the Marne is often associated with the decisive and climactic struggle that was waged northeast of Paris. However, near the vicinity of Verdun a struggle of no less importance, but of less renown, was beginning to take place. As the German armies advanced across Belgium and northern France in their counter clockwise sweeping movement, they began to pivot on the formidable fortified French town of Verdun. The Germans maintained a constant and respectable distance from the fortified zone and were content with observing the area as a precaution to guard against any possible French attack that might be made from the fortress. On the 6th of September, Joffre issued orders for Sarrail's IIIe Armée to attack from the eastern half of the great semi circular front line with the intent of taking the German's southerly advance in the flank. However, both sides would collide in a meeting engagement of colossal proportions. Although the fortress of Verdun was in no imminent danger, Sarrail placed great importance on maintaining contact with the fortified area on his right flank. To Joffre's anxiety, this would cause a large gap to form between Sarrail's IIIe Armée and De Langle's IVe Armée to the west. Sarrail would inadvertently flirt with disaster as he struggled to hold the line between IIIe Armée and Verdun. [Size: medium] *See the notes document for information on scenario design decisions and historical notes.