Answer:
The question of whether the French tried to escape the Battle of Verdun is a complex one, and the answer depends on how one interprets the available evidence. Here are some relevant points to consider:
The Battle of Verdun was fought between German and French forces from February to December 1916 during World War I. It was one of the longest and bloodiest battles in human history, with over 700,000 casualties on both sides.
The battle took place along a front of roughly 30 miles (50 kilometers) and involved repeated German attacks and French counterattacks. The fighting was often brutal and chaotic, with soldiers on both sides suffering from hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and the constant threat of artillery fire.
Some historians have argued that the French high command, led by General Philippe Pétain, was initially caught off guard by the German offensive and struggled to respond effectively. They point to a number of factors that contributed to this, including poor communication, inadequate artillery support, and a lack of reserves to reinforce the front lines.
Others have argued that the French soldiers and officers on the ground fought valiantly to defend their positions and prevent the Germans from breaking through. They point to numerous acts of heroism and sacrifice by individual soldiers and units, as well as successful counterattacks that pushed the Germans back in some areas.
There is evidence to suggest that some French soldiers and officers did attempt to flee or desert during the battle. For example, a number of soldiers were court-martialed and executed for desertion, and some French units reportedly retreated without orders or abandoned their positions. However, it is difficult to know how widespread these phenomena were or how much they affected the outcome of the battle.
Overall, the Battle of Verdun was a complex and multifaceted event that involved a wide range of factors, from military strategy and tactics to individual acts of courage and cowardice. It is impossible to give a definitive answer to the question of whether the French tried to escape the battle, as the truth is likely somewhere in between the various interpretations and perspectives.
Some sources to consult for further information on this topic include:
Horne, A. (2010). The Price of Glory: Verdun 1916. Penguin UK.
Keegan, J. (1999). The First World War. Vintage.
Leonard, A. (2015). The Outbreak of War: A Narrative. Oxford University Press.
Mosier, J. (2001). The Myth of the Great War: A New Military History of World War I. HarperCollins.
Sheffield, G. (2014). The Chief: Douglas Haig and the British Army. A&C Black.