live France!"

On June 7, 1916, the Germans took possession of the fortress and its
heroic garrison.

Major Raynal for his brave conduct was by order of General Joffre made
a Commander of the Legion of Honor. According to a German report
Raynal was permitted by the crown prince to retain his sword in
appreciation of his valorous defense of the fort. It must be conceded
that the capture of Fort Vaux, though costly, was a valuable
acquisition to the Germans, and served to hearten and encourage the
troops who had met with so many disasters in this area.

By this victory they were brought into contact with the inner line of
the Verdun defenses, and now if ever were in a position for a supreme
effort which might decide the war, as far as France was concerned. But
if this desired end was to be obtained, the crushing blow must be
delivered at once, for time threatened. Russian successes on the
southeastern front had created a new and serious problem. It was known
that a Franco-British offensive was imminent. The Germans were in a
situation that called for heroic action: the capture of Verdun with
all possible speed.

During the month of June, 1916, the Germans used up men and material
on a lavish and unprecedented scale. On June 23, 1916, they started a
general attack against the French positions of Froideterre, Fleury,
and Souville. From papers taken from prisoners it was learned that a
very great offensive was intended which the Germans believed would
carry them up to the very walls of Verdun. The German troops were
ordered to advance without stopping, without respite, and regardless
of losses, to capture the last of the French positions. The assaulting
force that was to carry out this program was estimated to number
between 70,000 and 80,000 men.

Preceded by a terrific bombardment the Germans attacked at 8 o'clock
in the morning of June 23, 1916, on a front of five kilometers, from
Hill 321 to La Lauffee. Under the fury of the onslaught the French
line was bent in at a certain point. The Thiaumont works and some
near-by trenches were carried by the Germans. One of their strong
columns succeeded in penetrating the village of Fleury, but was
speedily ejected. To the west in the woods of Chapitre and Fumin all
the German assaults were shattered. During the night the French
counterattacked; they recaptured a part of the ground lost between
Hills 320 and 321 and drove the Germans back as far as the Thiaumont
works.

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