![]() ![]() The “victor of Verdun“ remained commander-in-chief until 1931. In France at the end of 1918, he stood as one of the most popular generals alongside Foch. Philippe Pétain’s story during the First World War is undoubtedly a success story. Post-war: From Verdun to Vichy, One-way ↑ On 19 November, Pétain paraded in Metz and was elevated to the distinction Maréchal de France. At the time of the victory offensives, in October 1918, Pétain failed to obtain a last offensive beyond the Rhine before the armistice from Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929). Pushed back to the Marne and in a critical position, the French army resisted with its allies, adopting a more materiel based profile. The Germans launched their Spring Offensives in March 1918. At that time, Pétain carried out an active reorganization of the frontline: rational and deep fortification, heavier air, artillery and tank support, and thorough preparation for attacks. Of the nearly 3,000 soldiers sentenced by the conseils de guerre, 554 were sentenced to death (10 percent of them were executed). Offensives were put on hold, and the leave system and rear front layout were improved. Pétain pragmatically paid attention to the tactical and organizational claims of soldiers before any political interpretation. This knowledge helped him counter the wave of serious mutinies that swept the ranks of the French army in spring 1917. The memory of his action in this critical moment of the war has not been forgotten.Īppointed general-in-chief on, Pétain appeared to the troops as a capable commander, who knew well what life was like in the trenches. He left the battle theatre in the first days of May 1916 to take command of the Groupe d’Armée du Centre (GAC). He was trusted by his soldiers, which was a decisive factor in allowing him to stabilize the situation. He obtained artillery and planes and showed his mastery in frontline design, logistics, and resource management. When the Germans launched a full-scale offensive on Verdun on 21 February 1916, Pétain was ordered by General Joseph Joffre (1852-1931) to defend the fortified region at the head of the 2 nd army. He also distanced himself from the mantra of gaining ground at all cost, arguing that defensive actions and “limited goal attacks” had to be combined and constantly improved. ![]() Pétain soon understood that the army had entered a long and protracted siege war, which required adapted weaponry, ammunition in abundance, and life-saving tactics. During the Artois offensives, he successfully led the 33 rd army corps in June 1915 he commanded the 2 nd army. He was promoted to Général de Brigade at the end of August 1914 and, after his participation in September in the Battle of the Marne, to Général de Division. The Cold-blooded Technician (1914-1915) ↑ When the war broke out, Colonel Pétain was acting commander of a brigade in the 2 nd army corps (General Charles Lanrezac (1852-1925)) in the left wing of the French army. By 1914 he was fifty-eight and close to retirement. His commission to the rank of colonel in 1910 was late. He held strong views and was noticed in Paris as a shooting instructor at the ranges of the Chalon School.īetween 19, he taught “applied tactics” at the ESG and was soon considered a maverick since he focused on firepower during a period when “ Offensive à outrance” (“offensive to excess”) doctrine in the French army (and beyond) was popular. At the turn of the 20 th century, Pétain was a confirmed bachelor and was known as a cold, yet well-rated officer. In 1888, he graduated from the the École Supérieure de Guerre (ESG), the French staff college. He was well educated, thanks to an uncle, who was a priest, and was accepted in 1876 to St-Cyr, the French officers’ academy. Philippe Pétain (1856-1951) was born into a family of farmers in northern France. ![]()
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