The heaviest artillery fight in the history of warfare, in terms of sheer intensity and scale, occurred during World War I and World War II. However, the most notable and extreme artillery engagements are often considered to be those that took place during World War I on the Western Front, specifically in battles like the Battle of Verdun (1916) and World War II during the siege of Sevastopol (1941-1942) and the Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943).
1. The Battle of Verdun (1916)
The Battle of Verdun is often cited as one of the most intense and prolonged artillery battles in history. It took place from February to December 1916 between the French and German forces. The battle became a symbol of attrition and suffering, with both sides attempting to bleed each other dry through relentless bombardment.
Artillery Use: The French and Germans used huge artillery barrages to break each other's defenses. The Germans began with a massive bombardment using around 1,000 artillery pieces to prepare for an assault on the French defensive positions.
Casualties: Over the course of the battle, millions of shells were fired, resulting in devastating casualties. An estimated 700,000 men were either killed, wounded, or went missing, with much of the fighting centered on artillery duels.
Heavy Firepower: The Germans used heavy artillery pieces, including the Big Bertha, a massive howitzer capable of firing shells weighing 1,800 pounds (800 kg) over long distances. The French responded with their own formidable artillery, and both sides continuously shelled each other for months on end.
Impact: Verdun is often remembered as the ultimate example of artillery’s destructive power, with the land becoming heavily scarred, and the battle demonstrating the brutal effectiveness of prolonged bombardments.
2. The Siege of Sevastopol (1941-1942)
In World War II, the Siege of Sevastopol was one of the largest artillery engagements. Taking place from October 1941 to July 1942 during the Axis siege of the Soviet naval base in Sevastopol, Crimea, this battle witnessed some of the heaviest artillery bombardments of the war.
Artillery Power: Both the Soviets and the Germans brought massive guns into play. The Germans used weapons like the Kaiser Wilhelm Geschütz, a 21-cm railway gun, and their infamous 88mm anti-aircraft guns, which were also highly effective in anti-tank and anti-personnel roles.
Tactical Use of Artillery: The Germans made extensive use of long-range artillery and siege guns, pounding the Soviet defenses over weeks. Soviet forces responded with heavy artillery, including large-caliber guns.
Impact on Defenders: The Germans succeeded in eventually breaching Sevastopol's defenses, but the siege itself demonstrated the overwhelming power of artillery on both sides.