Military Model Scene

Title: Verdun 1914
Author: Christina Holstein
Publisher: Pen and Sword
ISBN: 978-1-03613-861-5

Subtitled 'The Opening Moves', this is about the early stages of WW1, as the German Army first tried to surround Verdun, a recent addition to the Battleground series of guides from Pen and Sword. A 286-page soft-cover book, and in a handy size format to carry with you in your car or simply in your backpack if you plan to visit the battlefield.
I suspect many who are interested in the history of WW1 will be familiar with the story of Verdun in 1916, but I suspect less so in the earlier period of 1914. With the start of the war fighting began in an effort for the German forces to pinch out the fortified fortress that was Verdun. At this point it was still a war of movement, before it settled into the period of trench warfare. Cavalry still had the chance to roam the battlefield. The first section of the book sets out the story of the German and French armies who faced up to each other. In the attempt to fully encircle Verdun, it details the story of Fort Troyon, not one of the strongest fortifications, but one where the French garrison managed to hold out and block the German forces from completing the encirclement. There are plenty of memories from troops of both sides, and one that might surprise some are from a young German Lieutenant, namely Erwin Rommel.
The bulk of the book is devoted to 6 detailed tours you can take, each one also including historical notes as well as things to see on route along with a mix of archive photos with modern ones illustrating things to look out for as you travel round. The first is a 35Km tour, taking a little over half a day, whereas tour 2 covers 56Km and is a full day. Tour 3 is a 25Km drive, taking half a day, but could be extended to the whole day if you visit Fort Troyon. Another full day of 50Km for tour 4, and 20Km half-day for tour 5. This leaves tour 6 taking a full day to walk around the 3Km route around the upper town and ramparts of the town of Longwy.
The history, the tours, advice on visiting the region and this adds a new aspect of the story of Verdun, in addition to the better known story of the fighting in 1916. Interesting to read by itself, but another Battleground guide that will be so handy to take with you when visiting the region around Verdun, just packed with history. Another excellent guide on Verdun from author Christina.
Thanks to Pen and Sword for the review copy.

Robin