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Maurice Gamelin (1872-1958) was a French general.
The generalissimo of the French armed forces in WWII Gamelin was one of the most intellectual generals of his time. He was respected, even in Germany, for his intelligence and 'subtle mind'. Despite this, and his competent service in WWI, his command of the French armies during the critical days of May 1940 is hard to describe without using the word 'inept'.
Gamelin was not willing to commit bombers to attack German territory for fear of reprisals. Avoiding unnecessary bloodshed was a concern that lay every heavily on his mind - more so, some might say, than is entirely appropriate for a general.
He served, with distinction, under Joffre in WWI.
He commanded the phony offensive of September 1939.
He was the protégé of Edouard Daladier.
He was both preceded succeeded as generalissimo by Maxime Weygand.
He was arrested during the Vichy regime and deported to Germany.
He published a thick tome of memoirs.
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