VERDUN in WW2

[Chris]

We all are undoubtedly aware of what was perhaps the most costly battle in
history - the Battle of Verdun, 1916. I read today that Verdun was also
subjected to heavy German shelling during the Second World War. Was this
the extent to which Verdun was the site of conflict in WW2?

Chris

[Chris]

We all are aware, undoubtedly, of what was perhaps the greatest tragedy in
warfare - the Battle of Verdun, 1916. What strategic importance, if any,
did the city of Verdun play in WW2? The only action I have read about
seemed to indicate that it was shelled by the Germans during their
withdrawal from France in late 1944, early '45. Was there a "Battle of
Verdun" in the Second World War, or just a brief instance of shelling?

Chris

[Louis Capdeboscq]

Verdun was not the most costly battle in WW1 (other battles, particularly
on the East Front were far bloodier), let alone in history.

Verdun was a fortified area on a strategic avenue of approach from Germany
into France. That place has been shelled by various invaders (most of them
of German-related, even before Germany existed) since gunpowder existed.
The 1940 Germans tried to assault the Maginot line and failed whenever they
reached major forts. There may also have been some fighting in the area in
1944. That's about it.

Verdun is not a very entertaining place anyway.