First Battle of the Aisne

In mid-September, meanwhile, the Allies initiated what became known as the First Battle of the Aisne (15-18 September). Attempting to envelop their enemy’s right flank, they were rebuffed by the Germans fighting from hastily constructed field fortifications. Heavy, inconclusive, fighting also occurred in Picardy during 11-26 September. Farther south, during 22-25 September, the French repulsed repeated German attacks against Verdun, although the Germans did manage to punch a salient into the French lines south of Verdun at St-Mihiel, which they held until September 1918.