96th Anniversary of Verdun (3 Viewers)

[Rob]

Thanks, Rob. Looks like I've got some updating to do.^&grin -- Al

Me too! Ypre and Normandy^&grin

Rob

 

[waynepoo]

A couple of aerial photographs of Fort Douaumont Verdun in 1915 before the battle, and some time in 1917 after the battle. They speak for themselves.
Wayne.

 

[lancer]

The difference is shocking, Wayne. In the 'after' photo, only the general outline of the moat is still discernable. The sharp walls of the moat and the barracks are long gone. It was the same for Vaux and most of Souville. -- Al

 

[waynepoo]

Before and after the battle aerial photographs of Fort Vaux.
Wayne.

 

[waynepoo]

Before and after the Battle aerial photographs of Fort Souville.
Wayne.

 

[lancer]

Thanks for posting the before/after pictures, Wayne. From what I have read and photos I have seen, while Douaumont and Vaux are open for tours and such, Souville is in a very bad state of repair, and is all but inaccessible by being off the paths and being deep in the woods that have grown up. Souville's condition makes it too dangerous to enter even if one were to negotiate the terrain to reach it. I suppose there are many such positions at Verdun that are equally difficult to locate/get to and would be just as dangerous to inspect. Such positions have now been decaying for 96 years. This all makes for a difficult project along the lines of After the Battle. -- Al

 

[Rob]

I wonder if now the 100th anniversary is approaching there may be more ' After the Battle' editions concerning WW1, hope so.

Rob

 

[Rob]

Al/guys,

I just wrote to 'After the Battle' and asked them about any plans for any WW1 releases in the run up to 2014, they may tell me jack, but if I get any info I'll pass it on here.

Rob

 

[Rob]

Thanks for the info, Rob. I'll add these to my list. Wasn't aware of them.:redface2: As a matter of fact, my Holt 'Somme' guide is the 1996 edition, and the 'Gallipoli' is from 2000. Do you know if these have been updated? I would guess that the Somme one has been but I don't know. -- Al

Al, was in contact with Mrs Valmai Holt yesterday when I ordered my new edition of the Ypre/Passchendaele guidebook. She told me that they are just about to embark on the updating of Western front North which will be complete with GPS ref's etc, no date as yet as its quite an undertaking visiting every site again. You may want to wait and get this new edition as it will be bang up to date. Valmai also told me the Normandy edition should be with them in May.

Rob

 

[lancer]

Al, was in contact with Mrs Valmai Holt yesterday when I ordered my new edition of the Ypre/Passchendaele guidebook. She told me that they are just about to embark on the updating of Western front North which will be complete with GPS ref's etc, no date as yet as its quite an undertaking visiting every site again. You may want to wait and get this new edition as it will be bang up to date. Valmai also told me the Normandy edition should be with them in May.

Rob

Thanks, Rob. Probably will wait as I have nothing in the budget for the new guides, yet. I have a long list of books to buy that always seems to get longer as I always seem to buy TS instead of books.:wink2:^&grin -- Al

 

[Rob]

Al/guys.

The first of the updated Holts guides arrived at my door today. Can't wait to get stuck into this tonight and check out new additions. Each guide comes with its own map of the battle in question, but if you order from Holts website you also get a free map of a battle of your choice ( Normandy, Somme,Ypres, Gallipoli,Arnhem-I went for the latest Somme version ) The maps have GPS ref's in them for putting into your sat nav. They are packed with info and point out all Bunkers,craters, cemeteries, Pillboxes,VC sites, museums and memorials. The next updated guide is Normandy and should be in stock in May.

So at least the wife can watch tv in peace tonight:wink2:

Rob

 

[lancer]

Looks like a winner, Rob. Enjoy the read. Think I'll get the Ypres guide, as well as an updated Somme. -- Al

 

[Rob]

Looks like a winner, Rob. Enjoy the read. Think I'll get the Ypres guide, as well as an updated Somme. -- Al

Cheers Al, you'll be glad you did my friend.

Rob