The German general staff drew heavily from its forces on the east front
and added these new legions to the already large army occupied before
Verdun; but the result was always the same. So far they could progress
and no farther.

After almost five months of defensive tactics, General Petain began to
launch assaults of his own. At first the Germans put these down with
regularity, but at last the effort began to tell. The French made
headway. Much of the lost ground was recovered. The French moved forward
a bit day by day, occupied new positions and consolidated them. It was
terrible work, but the French persevered.

Around Hill No. 304 and Dead Man's Hill the fighting was especially
severe. There men died by the hundreds and by the thousands that one of
the opposing armies might advance a few yards. Gains even were counted by
feet--almost by inches. Gain of a few yards was accounted a day's work
well done.

Not once did the French troops falter under fire; nor did the Germans,
for that matter. Never was there greater bravery, loyalty and devotion.
Called upon for tasks that seemed well nigh impossible, the men did not
hesitate. They met death in such numbers as death was never met before.

Almost daily, after the French had taken a brace three and a half miles
from Verdun, it seemed that the Crown Prince must give up the effort. It
appeared incomprehensible that the useless sacrifice of men could
continue. But the attempt was not given up; rather, it was pressed with
greater vigor each succeeding day.

But, after five months, the fury of the German assaults gradually