The Battle Of VERDUN, France - Tavanees Tunnel This tunnel, 1,000 meters long, had been used as barracks, first aid post and ammunitions depot since the first day of the battle. The Eastern-and Western entrance had been sealed with barbed wire and several meters of piled up sandbags. The tunnel was overcrowded with French soldiers who were cut off from their units or who were searching for shelter from the shellfire or who were on their way to or just returning from the front. On Monday 4 September a huge explosion took place in the tunnel; an explosion that could be compared to the one of fort Douaumont. In this particular case the cargo of a mule had caught fire, probably because of the cooking of the soldiers. The fire increased immensely, caused by the air current in the tunnel and turned into an inferno. Everybody panicked and over 500 soldiers were killed. Nevertheless, the confusion caused by this explosion remained unnoticed by the Germans. [Source - Wereldoorlog] Authentic World War-I Artifact, rare artifact and hard to find in this condition. A RAREST WWI historical artifact for ONLY $29.50! Free shipping!!. Return it if you don't like and we will pay the return shipping. Please let us know if you have any question. Store Collectors Couch