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Joseph JoffreVintage Video: Joseph Joffre, 1914
 Updated - Saturday, 29 November, 2003

Joseph Joffre served as France's wartime Army Commander-in-Chief from the outbreak of war in August 1914 until December 1916.

Variously applauded and excoriated for his performance in military command, Joffre's period as Commander-in-Chief saw him achieve success at the First Battle of the Marne - when the German Army's march on Paris was decisively thrown back - and perceived failure in failing to anticipate the German offensive at Verdun.

Replaced as Commander-in-Chief by Robert Nivelle in December 1916 - as it transpired a disastrous appointment - Joffre was nonetheless awarded the consolation prize of an appointment a Marshal of France.  He played no further key role in the remainder of the war.

Click here to view footage of Joseph Joffre before war began in 1914 (Windows Media, 9 seconds, 1,156KB).

A "conchie" was slang used to refer to a conscientious objector.

Original Material © Michael Duffy 2000-07, SafeSurf Rated