Vaux

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

FORT, fortified village of France, 4 miles N. E. of Verdun, which was the scene of much fighting during of 1916. the spring and summer On March 3 the Germans, having taken Fort de Douamont, about a mile to the N. E., turned their guns on Vaux. On March 8, the German infantry fought their way into the village from which the French succeeded in expelling them, a German bulletin announcing that the armored fort of Vaux had been occupied. The Germans hung on to the fringe till March 16, but did not reach the crest, and then after a fortnight's rest, an entire German division fought its way nost the village of Vaux and Vaux 12 Pond, scrambling over the rim of the Plateau de Douaumont which represented the northern slope of the Vaux Ravine through the Wood of La Caillette. The German loss of this attack was heavy, and within a few days the French had thrown them back on their old positions. This was part of what was called the "second phase" of the Battle of Verdun and the repulse of the Germans saved Verdun for the rest of the war. Attacks and counter-attacks were kept up during April, May and June. On June 1 the Germans began another important attack and on June 4 succeeded in isolating Fort Vaux. More German attacks followed on June 6 and on June 7 it was stormed and taken, remaining in German hands till November 2 when the French retook it. Later it fell again to the Germans who held it till its conquest by the American forces on June 1, 1918.