-19th Feb: Created the Commission Regulatrice Automobile
Obj to move: 12,000 men & 2000 tons of good a day
-22nd Feb: Road was up and running and supplying Verdun
Still no Petain at this point, Battle is being run by Gen Herr who is now at breaking point and overwhelmed
Obj to move: 12,000 men & 2000 tons of good a day
-22nd Feb: Road was up and running and supplying Verdun
Still no Petain at this point, Battle is being run by Gen Herr who is now at breaking point and overwhelmed
Comments
24th Feb a crucial day for Petain, not because he was with his mistress in Paris...... but because it would change his career and French history
-He informs Joffre he is going - how this conversation plays out is debated.
-de Castelnau feels the need for leadership on the ground and troops need to see a senior officer - like Napoleon 100 years before
So why?
Its interesting topic & not enough space. Officially Petain is selected because he is seen to be calm under pressure, but above all be a details focused General
WHAT! yes Petain was an outsider compared to many and would have been perfect person to pin the blame on!
De Castelnau learnt from his and made sure everything he gave Petain were direct orders!
a. Defence of Verdun on the right bank of the meuse, no retreat at all costs
b. Centralise the command under Petain
c. Organsies a resistance line around villages and forts in the area
d. Gen Herr moved aside …. For being a bit tired