Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
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Gassed, killed, bankrupted, inspired: great composers in the First World War

13. Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Debussy died of cancer on 25 March 1918, during the German Spring Offensive on Paris. His funeral procession made its way through deserted streets as German artillery bombarded the city. The St-Gervais-et-St-Protais Church (pictured) was hit by a single shell four days after Debussy's death, during a Good Friday service. 88 people died and 68 were wounded. Photo: Getty