Alberich (World War I German operation)

Alberich ( Alberich after the mythical figure ) was the code name for the 9 February to 15 March 1917 prepared by the German forces on the Western Front and then to March 20, conducted by 16 withdrawal to the Hindenburg Line. By clearing the bow position between Arras and Soissons you wanted to shorten the front line and defeat the Allied attack plans for the spring of 1917. The area to be cleared on both sides of the Somme was before the deduction is scheduled devastated ( Scorched Earth ) to make largely impossible for the enemy whose military use. Around 200 villages and infrastructure were completely destroyed; More than 100,000 civilians were deported.

The company was successful from the German perspective and surprised the military leadership of the Entente. It also cemented the reputation of the Germans as "barbarians".