PÉTAIN (Henri, 1856-1951, Marshal of France)

Postcard signed, in French with translation, to 'Madame', saying that her "sympathy for my country, so spontaneously and kindly expressed has touched me deeply", and thanking her, 1 side card, 4" x 5½", Sector 5, 27th December remains of laying down on verso

During the first half of 1916 Pétain won great laurels by successfully holding the fortress town of Verdun against the Germans, led by the Crown Prince. At the time of this card he was in command of the armies of the Centre, becoming C-in-C Western Front 1917-1918. A certain caution led him to success in WWI, but in WWII to the surrender of France, for which he was tried and imprisoned after the Liberation.

Item Date:  1916

Stock No:  51977      £275

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