Fort Vaux

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Fort Vaux, located in Vaux-Devant-Damloup, Meuse, France, became the second Fort to fall in the Battle of Verdun. The defenders put up a desperate fight, with some drinking their own sweat and urine because they were so short on water. Salty, preserved food was available, but consuming it under these circumstances would have been worse than not eating at all.

Fort Vaux was recaptured by the French in November 1916. The defense of this Fort was marked by the heroism and endurance of many, including Major Sylvain-Eugene Raynal. Under his command, the marooned French troops fended off numerous invasions and attempted invasions by the German military, burrowing deeper into the bowels of the Fort for defense. Raynal also sent several messages via homing pigeons (including the famous Cheramie), requesting aid from his superiors. During his last of these communications, Major Raynal penned the semi-famous phrase "This is my last pigeon." Upon the eventual capture of Fort Vaux, the crown prince of the German ruling family, the Hohenzollerns, presented Major Raynal with his sword as a sign of respect.