Battles & Campaigns · 1915
Second Battle of Champagne
Champagne, France
What happened
On 25 September French divisions attacked the German lines in Champagne and broke through the front line in four places. Rain slowed the advance, and German counterattacks won back most of the ground. In October Joffre stopped trying to break through.
Why it matters
The French gained about 4 km but used huge amounts of ammunition. German commanders decided mass attacks could not break a well-defended front, which shaped their plans for Verdun in 1916.
What came next
Fighting in Champagne went quiet while France rebuilt its stocks of shells.
Did you know?
Some French regiments advanced with bands playing and flags flying.
Timeline
- 25 Sep 1915Attacks in Champagne and Artois begin; Battle of Loos.
- 3 Oct 1915Joffre halts the breakthrough attempt.
- 6 Nov 1915The battle ends.
- 21 Feb 1916Battle of Verdun begins.