2-752-197 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

General Joseph Gallieni inspecting Boy Scouts, Paris, France, c1914, (c1920). 'A French Hero of the Great War: the late General Gallieni, Minister of War, inspecting French Boy Scouts while Military Governor of Paris'. Gallieni (1849-1916) was recalled from retirement to assist with the defence of Paris at the start of the First World War 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. He died two months later. From "The Great World War: A History", Volume VI, edited by Frank A Mumby. [The Gresham Publishing Company Ltd, London, c1920]