And during those three months the coalition finishes concerting, preparing, and carrying out its plans.
Fighting takes place in front of the fort, above and within it, from June 2 to 7. On the 4th, the first Russian offensive is launched south of the Pripet. It at once forces Austria to abandon its own offensive against the Trentino.
There is fighting in front of Verdun from February 21, and fighting goes on there during June and July. The Italian offensive on the Trentino opens on June 25, while that on the Isonzo begins during the early days of August. The Franco-British offensive on the Somme starts on July 1, and the central Russian offensive on July 3.
“Soldiers of Verdun, it is to your heroic resistance that this consummation is due....”
* * * * *
In War and Peace, Prince Bagration, in the course of a battle, hears bad news, but his coolness astonishes and reassures the aides-de-camp who bring it. He has an unswerving confidence in Russia’s future. A temporary set-back cannot make him any less certain of the final triumph.
“Merely at the sight of him, those who approached him with anxious looks began to recover their calm....”
This gives us a clue to the comforting words heard at Verdun in March, when the fort was swept by the storm for the first time:
“You need feel no uneasiness.”
For the future is taking shape.