The Nivelle Offensive (2nd Battle of the Aisne)

16 April -9 May 1917

Robert Nivelle had become Commander-in-Chief of French forces in December 1916. He was an advocate of throwing a massive weight of men and firepower against the German lines in a great offensive, expecting that a decisive breakthrough would lead to a quick end to the war. Although his plans were opposed by many of the Allied commanders, including Petain and Haig, he was supported by the French prime minister, Aristide Briand.

On April 16 1917 the French offensive began, with over one million Frenchmen taking part across a broad front from Royle to Reims. The attack on German forces along the River Aisne was especially determined and this was where French casualties were at their worst - 40,000 on the first day alone. Even the use of French tanks for the first time had little effect on strongly held German positions. Only minor gains were being made but Nivelle persisted with the full-scale attacks until April 20, and smaller attacks continued until May 9, when the battle finally ended.

Nivelle's own expectations for the battle had been high, and he had been successful in convincing many of his men throughout the French army that his strategy would succeed. So the massive casualties, lack of success and poor organisation of the first days of the campaign came as a huge blow. Growing discontent within the army led to widespread mutinies and the French called upon the British to renew their offensive at Arras to relieve some of the pressure on them.

The offensive had cost 187,000 casualties. On May 15 1917 Robert Nivelle was replaced by Henri-Philippe Petain as Commander-in-Chief.

© Historybookshop.com