Monument a Joseph Gallieni (Monument a Joseph Gallieni) description and photos - France: Paris (Topic)

Monument to Marshal Joseph Gallieni (Monument a Joseph Gallieni) description and photos - France: Paris. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The title in English is Monument a Joseph Gallieni.

Photo and description

Monument to Marshal of France Joseph Gallieni stands on Place Vauban. The name Gallieni is not well known in Russia, but for the Parisians it is a symbol of courage and hope. It is not for nothing that on the pedestal of the monument it is written: "Joseph Gallieni is the city of Paris."

Joseph Simon Gallieni graduated from the Saint-Cyr military academy, served in the colonial troops. Was the governor of Madagascar. In April 1914, he retired for health reasons, lived on his estate. The veteran was already 65 years old.

On August 7, 1914, the Anglo-French units lost a border battle with German troops. The Germans attacked bypassing Paris. Commander-in-Chief Joffre believed that it was necessary to surrender Paris and impose a decisive battle on the enemy beyond the Seine.

Minister of War Messimi demanded that Joffre create an army for the defense of the capital, but he was silent. Then the minister summoned Gallieni and appointed him military commandant of Paris. The army of General Monuri was transferred to the garrison of the capital. The government left the city. Responsibility for the French capital fell on an elderly, terminally ill man.

The old soldier showed courage, energy and foresight. Established aerial reconnaissance. A radio station at the Eiffel Tower was intercepting German communications. Trenches were dug around Paris, artillery positions were set up - the capital was turning into a fortress. Realizing the possibility of its fall, the commandant ordered the mines of some of the objects, including the Eiffel Tower.

Gallieni was the first to realize: the Germans abandoned the plan to cover Paris and turned east to take the French army in pincers. Thus, they exposed their flank to attack. Gallieni insisted on a strike by the forces of Monuri's army. Joffre waited. The British allies, whom Gallieni hoped to convince, did not speak at all to the tired elderly man with glasses. And then the commandant of Paris began the movement of troops, without waiting for an order. A battle broke out on the Marne. At his critical moment, Gallieni managed to transfer 6,000 fresh soldiers from Paris in a day with the help of mobilized Parisian taxis - the Germans retreated.

Paris resisted. In 1916, Gallieni retired again and died. In 1921 he was posthumously awarded the title of Marshal of France.

The monument to the Marshal was erected in Place Vauban in 1926 (by sculptor Jean Boucher). The square in front of the House of Invalids, the tomb of the great soldiers of France, has become a worthy place for a monument to the man who saved Paris.

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Topic: Monument a Joseph Gallieni (Monument a Joseph Gallieni) description and photos - France: Paris.