Louis Franchet d'Espèrey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marshal Vojvoda
Louis Franchet d'Espèrey
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| Seat 14 of the Académie française | |
| In office 27 July 1934 – 8 July 1942 |
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| Preceded by | Hubert Lyautey |
| Succeeded by | Robert d'Harcourt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 May 1856 Mostaganem, French Algeria |
| Died | 8 July 1942 (aged 86) Saint-Amancet, French State |
| Nationality | French |
| Alma mater | École Spéciale Militaire |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Third Republic |
| Branch/service | French Army |
| Years of service | 1873 – 1925 |
| Rank | Division general |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | |
Louis Franchet d'Espèrey (born May 25, 1856 – died July 8, 1942) was a French general. He played an important role during World War I. He led a large group of Allied soldiers based in Salonika. He successfully led the Macedonian campaign. This campaign helped end the war by causing the collapse of the Southern Front.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Louis Franchet d'Espèrey was born in Mostaganem, which was part of French Algeria at the time. His father was a cavalry officer. Louis went to a special military school called École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr. He finished his studies there in 1876.
After school, he joined a regiment of Algerian soldiers. He served in different places around the world. These included French Indochina and China. In China, he was part of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. Later, he also served in Morocco. Before World War I, he commanded several infantry groups in France. In 1913, he was given command of the First Army Corps.
World War I Service
1914: A Rising Commander
Leading a Corps
In 1914, Franchet d'Espèrey showed great skill as a corps commander. This was during the Battle of Charleroi. On August 23, his troops were ready to counterattack the German army. However, his commander, General Lanrezac, did not give him permission.
Later, at the Battle of Guise on August 29, his First Corps led a successful attack. He rode on horseback, encouraging his soldiers. This victory was very important for the French army.
Taking Command of an Army
Just before the First Battle of the Marne, Franchet d'Espèrey was given command of the Fifth Army. He was known for being very determined. He wanted his officers to be just as determined. He even told them that anyone not doing their duty would face serious consequences.
He quickly improved relations with the British forces. His predecessor had not worked well with them. Franchet d'Espèrey sent a telegram to the British commander, promising to cooperate. This cooperation was key to the Allied plan for the Battle of the Marne. His plan helped shape the main attack strategy for the Allies.
1916–1917: Leading Army Groups
By 1916, Franchet d'Espèrey was in charge of the Eastern Army Group. In 1917, he commanded the Northern Army Group. However, his forces faced a tough defeat at the Battle of Chemin des Dames in May 1918.
1918: Victory in Salonika
After the defeat, he was moved from the Western Front. He became the commander of the Allied Army of the Orient. This army was based in Salonika, on the Macedonian front.
Between September 15 and 29, 1918, Franchet d'Espèrey led a huge army. This army included soldiers from Greece, France, Serbia, Britain, and Italy. He launched a very successful attack in Macedonia. This attack forced Bulgaria to leave the war.
His victory caused the Southern Front to collapse. His troops then moved into the Balkans and even into Hungary. This collapse was a major reason why the war ended in November 1918.
After the War
After World War I, Franchet d'Espèrey continued to serve. He led operations against the Hungarian Soviet Republic in 1919.
He was honored for his service. On February 19, 1921, he was made a marshal of France. This is a very high military rank. He also received an honorary title of Vojvoda from the Yugoslavian monarchy. This title is similar to a Field-Marshal.
In 1924, he became the inspector-general of France's North African troops. He became interested in a route across the Sahara Desert. He joined an expedition that traveled across the Sahara in special cars. They traveled over 3,600 kilometers (about 2,237 miles).
Franchet d'Espèrey also represented France at the coronation of Haile Selassie of Ethiopia in 1930. He was elected to the Académie française in 1934. This is a very important French institution that protects the French language.
He passed away on July 8, 1942, in Albi. He is buried at Les Invalides in Paris, a famous resting place for French military heroes.
Legacy and Recognition
Franchet d'Espèrey was known for his strong will and energy. His victories against Bulgaria and the Austro-Hungarian armies were very important. They happened before the main attacks on the Western Front. His leadership led Bulgaria to sign an armistice on September 29, 1918. This made Bulgaria the first Central Power to leave the war.
Many cities and towns in France have streets named after him. These include Dijon, Reims, and Versailles. There is also an Avenue Franchet d'Esperey in Dinant, Belgium. In Belgrade, Serbia, a boulevard is named after him. Salonika, Greece, also has a street named in his honor.
British soldiers had a nickname for him: "Desperate Frankie."
Honours and Decorations
Franchet d'Espèrey received many awards for his service:
- Légion d’honneur (Legion of Honour)
- Knight (1886)
- Officer (1904)
- Commander (1912)
- Grand Officer (1914)
- Grand Cross (1917)
- Médaille militaire (Military Medal) (1918)
- Croix de guerre 1914–1918 with 3 palms
- Médaille Interalliée de la Victoire (Inter-Allied Victory Medal)
- Médaille commémorative du Maroc (Commemorative Medal of Morocco)
- Médaille Commémorative de la Grande Guerre (Commemorative Medal of the Great War)
- Colonial Medal with bars "Tonkin" and "Maroc"
- Order of Karađorđe's Star with Swords (Serbia)
- Grand Cross of the Order of Saint-Charles (Monaco) (1930)
Images for kids
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Signature of Louis Franchet d’Espèrey
See also
- Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion
