Paris was saved.
In the gallery of the world's great soldiers, the homely, kindly figure
of Joffre may well find place. He seems to occupy a niche quite by
himself. He is not spectacular, nor a "hero," but a simple man among
men, whose results are built upon a lifetime of patient endeavor.
He is Rodin's statue of "The Thinker" come to life.
IMPORTANT DATES IN JOFFRE'S LIFE
1852. January 12. Joseph Jacques Cesaire Joffre born.
1867. Entered preparatory military school, Paris.
1869. Entered Polytechnic Academy.
1870. Volunteered in army to defend Paris against Prussians.
1870. Commissioned second-lieutenant.
1876. Commissioned captain for work on fortifications.
1884. Sent to Formosa to construct barracks and trenches.
1885. Decorated, Legion of Honor, Tonkin.
1891. Professor in military school, Fontainebleau.
1893. Sent to Madagascar on construction work.
1894. Headed expedition to Timbuctoo.
1901. Brigadier-general.
1911. Chief of general staff.
1914. Commander-in-chief, French army.
1916. Marshal of France.
FOCH
THE SCHOOLMASTER IN WAR
To wait until one is sixty-three years old before even smelling
powder--and then to find oneself in command of the greatest allied army
that the world has ever seen--such is the remarkable story of the
French General, Ferdinand Foch.
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