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Pierre BillotteFrench military leader, divisional general
Date of Birth: 08.03.1906
Country:  France |
Content:
- French Military Leader and Politician
- Battle of Stonne (1940)
- World War II and Resistance
- Post-War Military Career
- Political Career
- Later Years
- Honors
French Military Leader and Politician
Early LifePierre-Marie-Auguste Birot was a renowned French military leader and politician. His military career began as a captain in 1940, where he commanded the 1st Company of the 41st Tank Regiment.
Battle of Stonne (1940)
Birot's most notable military achievement occurred on May 16, 1940, during the Battle of Stonne. Leading a Char B1 Bis tank nicknamed "Eure," he and his unit breached German defenses, destroying two Pz Kpfw IV, eleven Pz Kpfw III, and two anti-tank guns despite heavy enemy fire. Birot's tank sustained 140 hits without being penetrated.
World War II and Resistance
After being captured in June 1940, Birot escaped to the Soviet Union in 1941, where he joined the "Free France" movement. He served as head of the French military mission in Moscow and later as Chief of Staff to General Charles de Gaulle.
Post-War Military Career
Following the war, Birot held several military positions, including Governor of Hesse-Nassau and Assistant Chief of Staff. In 1946, he was appointed head of the French military mission to the United Nations.
Political Career
After retiring from the military in 1950, Birot entered politics. He served as a deputy in the Legislative Assembly of Côte-d'Or and later as Minister of Defense from 1955 to 1956. He was considered a left-wing Gaullist.
Later Years
Birot continued his political involvement as a senator from 1962 to 1966 and a National Assembly deputy from 1967 onwards. He retired from politics in 1978.
Honors
In recognition of his service, Birot received the Jubilee Medal "Thirty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945" from the Soviet Union in 1975.
