The German offensive, which began on February 21, 1916, caused a slight withdrawal along the whole of the French Verdun-Nancy line (see the Michelin Illustrated Guide: “Verdun”). The French line was withdrawn behind Fresnes, passing thence round Eparges Crest, which formed a hinge.
After the French counter-offensive of July-September, 1917, which disengaged Verdun and the immediate vicinity, their positions were further improved by a series of local operations at Eparges and around Pont-à-Mousson.
ON BEAUMONT HEIGHTS
Gen. F. E. Bamford, commanding the American 2nd Brigade, watching the advance of his troops before Beaumont, Sept. 12, 1918.
THE AMERICAN OFFENSIVE OF SEPTEMBER, 1918
It has been seen in the Michelin Illustrated Guide: “The Americans in the Great War,” Vol. I., that the 1st and 3rd American Corps, under the respective commands of Major-Generals Liggett and Bullard, reached the Vesle at the beginning of August, 1918. General Pershing’s intention at that time was to use these two army corps to form the American First Army which, under his personal command, was to relieve the French 6th Army (General Degoutte). However, the Germans having given proof of their intention to defend the Vesle line at all cost, Marshal Foch decided to attack at another point of the front, and entrusted the task of flattening out the salient to the American Army.