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 accurate today as in Napoleon's time, when, after four years of furious fighting, significant 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 nations into the melee, has carried Sir Douglas Haig into prominence and thrust him into the limelight. Before 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
General John Joseph Pershing, known as "Blackjack," was selected to command the American troops. He 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
Like Marshal Foch, this general was little known before 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 grizzled, troubled-looking, sad-eyed French General 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.
