There are some locations that we will visit that are famous because of some gallant actions, some legendary stories and some that are important because of their strategic position and our overall understanding of the battle. Here at the Bois des Caures, all of the above can be discovered.

This is Colonel Emile Driant's Command Post. He is in command of the 56th and 59th Chasseurs,

On 21st February 1916 at 07:12, the German artillery bombardment began, 80,000 shells would fall here. It would not cease until 16:00 that afternoon when German infantry made their way forward through a snowstorm. These men are lightly equipped as they do not expect much in the way of opposition, but they are to be shocked at the level of resistance they meet.

Driant's men withstood withering artillery fire, bloody hand to hand combat and the use of flamethrowers until it was just too much. On the afternoon of 22nd with just 80 men left, Driant orders a withdrawal to take place in three groups. He would leave last. Setting off across the road, Driant stops to see to a wounded man. As he stands back up, he is hit in the head with a shrapnel splinter and is killed.

Visiting the command post and the trench systems around it gives you the opportunity to explore this story in full and to start your understanding of the Verdun battlefield.