Battle of Bois des Caures

The Battle of Bois des Caures was fought at the beginning of the Battle of Verdun in World War I. The battle was fought in the commune of Moirey-Flabas-Crépion (former commune of Flabas), in the department of Meuse, north of Verdun in France.

In February 1916, the woods were crossed by the front line. This poorly defended section of the front was defended by Lieutenant-Colonel Émile Driant's light infantry battalions. On 21 February 1916, on the first day of the Battle of Verdun, the woods were destroyed by one of the most impressive artillery barrages. The survivors of the two battalions held out for almost two days against the overwhelmingly superior German troops before being destroyed or captured. This resistance slowed the German advance and allowed reinforcements to reach the front.