1-217-611 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Joseph Gallieni, French First World War general, 2 September 1914. Gallieni (1849-1916) was recalled from retirement to assist with the defence of Paris as the city was threatened by the German advance in August 1914. He is widely believed to have had a decisive influence on the French victory at the Battle of the Marne which halted the Germans and saved Paris, although the majority of the credit went to his commander, General Joffre. Gallieni served as Minister for War from October 1915 until March 1916, when he retired due to ill health.