re grown
in large quantities, and there are also iron and hot sulphur springs.
With its barracks and military factories, the city formed an important
army base.

Erzingan has frequently figured in ancient history. It was here that
the Sultan of Rum was defeated by the Mongols in 1243, and in the
fourth century St. Gregory, "the Illuminator," lived in the city.
Erzingan was added to the Osman Empire in 1473 by Mohammed II, after
it had been held by Mongols, Tartars, and Turkomans.

With the capture of Erzingan the Russians not only removed the
strongest obstacle on the road to Sivas, Angora, and Constantinople,
but also virtually completed their occupation of Turkish Armenia.

Throughout the Russian advance, considerable fighting had occurred in
the region of Mush, which, however, resulted in no important changes.
The main object of the Russian attacks there was to hold as large a
Turkish force as possible from any possible attempt to relieve the
pressure on Erzingan.

In the south, near the Persian border at Roanduz, and in Persia, near
Kermanshah, there were no important developments after the fall of
Kermanshah. Considerable fighting, however, went on in both of these
sectors without changing in any way the general situation.

PART VIII--OPERATIONS ON THE WESTERN FRONT

CHAPTER XLIV

RENEWAL OF THE BATTLE OF VERDUN

In another part of this work we have followed the intense struggle
that marked the German assault that began on February 21, 1916, and
continued without cessation for four days and nights. Despite the
tremendous force employed by the Germans and the destruction wrought
by their guns, the French by incessant counterattacks had held back
their opponents and, by depriving them of the advantage of surprise,
had undoubtedly saved Verdun for the Allies. Though losing heavily in
men and material, they held the Bras-Douaumont front until they could
be relieved by fresh forces. The German advance was stayed on the
night of the 24th.

In the morning of February 25, 1916, the Germans succeeded in
penetrating Louvemont, now reduced to ruins by fire and shell.
Douaumont village to the right seemed in imminent danger of being
captured by the Germans, who were closing in on the place. But the
French infantry attacking toward the north, and the vigorous action of
the Zouaves east of Haudromont Farm, cleared the surroundings of the
enemy. At the close of the day they occupied the village and a rid