Famous Generals of the First World War
Biographies of famous generals on the Great War including Joffre, French, Foch, Haig, Pershing, Pétain and Curieres de Castelnau. These allied commanders were instrumental in achieving a victorious outcome culminating with the Armistice on 11 November 1918.
General "Papa" Joffre: Hero of the Battle of the Marne
Many, many years hence, patriotic Frenchmen will put up a statue to the imperturbable soldier who stood behind the vast lines of battle at the River Marne and watched the gallant Poilus battle with the Prussians to a fair-earned victory.
Sir John French: The Man Who Led the First British Army
France would not have to fight these blood-thirsty Germans alone, that was certain, and as, standing upon the quarter-deck of the scout Sentinel, Sir John French was recognized, the cheering was deafening.
Ferdinand Foch: Commander-In-Chief of the Allied Forces
This maxim was seen to be as true to-day as in Napoleon’s time, when, after four years of furious fighting, great losses, and serious sacrifices, the Allies turned to Ferdinand Foch as their leader, and accepted the French General as their Chief.
Sir Douglas Haig: Commander of the British Forces in France
The fierce world conflict which has brought all of the nations into the melee, has carried Sir Douglas Haig into prominence and thrust him into the limelight. Prior to this eventful contest he was known to be a thoroughly reliable officer in the British army.
John J. Pershing: Commander of the Army of the United States
To command the American troops was selected General John Joseph Pershing, familiarly known as “Blackjack," who was the son of a section foreman on one of the western roads. His only advantageous heritage was that of a sound and healthy body.
Henri P. Pétain: Defender of Verdun
This general, like Marshal Foch, was little known prior to the great war. If he had his way, he would be little known today, for like Foch and Haig— he shuns the limelight.
Edouard de Curieres de Castelnau: The Defender of Nancy
A French General — grizzled, troubled-looking, sad-eyed — was dictating dispatches to his Quartermaster near the battlelines at Verdun. Far away roared the great guns, and white wisps of smoke rolled across the pock-marked fields.
