FRANCE'S NEW GENERALS.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5356, 14 February 1916, Page 6

FRANCE'S NEW GENERALS.

PROMOTION FOR ABILITY

The war we are waging against Germany lias not only emphasised die admirable qualities of the French soldier, who has adapted himself to a style of fighting which is not‘exactly to his taste, hut it has brought to light- a certain number oi leaders who miay with priile l>e eompare<l to the generals of the Empire (says the “Petit Parisien’’). Some who to-day are chiefs of the army were only simple divisional officers—for example. General d'Frbal. The most remarkable case of promotion is assuredly that of General Petain, who at the beginning of the war was only colonel commanding the 33rd Regiment of Infantry, and who became successively general of brigade, general of division, and commander of an army corps. For nearly six months he had been af the heed of one of our principal armies which lately covered itself with glory. General Petain is one of our mostesteemed chiefs whose high qualities of strategy, energy, and sangfroid have never for a single instant failed in the course of the various operations in which lie has taken part.