Sharl Lanrezak
France- Early Life and Education
- Military Career
- Commander of the 5th Army
- Outbreak of World War I
- Charleroi Offensive and Dismissal
- Later Career and Retirement
Early Life and Education
Lucien Alfred Lyautey was a French military officer born on March 23, 1811. He received his education at the prestigious Saint-Cyr Military School in 1871 and the École Supérieure de Guerre (War Academy) in 1879.
Military Career
Lyautey's military career began as an infantry officer. He served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and the Sudan Expedition. Subsequently, he became a professor at the War Academy, where he played a key role in shaping French military doctrine based on Napoleon I's principles.
Commander of the 5th Army
In 1912, Lyautey was appointed commander of an army corps. In April 1914, he became a member of the Supreme War Council. Lyautey opposed the new school of French thought within the General Staff that advocated for offensive warfare at all costs, neglecting defense. Nevertheless, this new approach gained favor and influenced the Chief of the General Staff, General Joseph Joffre.
Outbreak of World War I
With the onset of mobilization, Lyautey was named commander of the 5th Army, consisting of 299,400 troops and 780 artillery pieces. The army occupied the left wing of the French forces, deploying in the area of Mézières-Montmédy.
Charleroi Offensive and Dismissal
On August 15, the French command realized the direction of the main German attack, prompting Lyautey's army to move towards Philippeville in the direction of the Sambre River. By August 20, they occupied the front between the Sambre and the Maas in the Dinant-Namur-Charleroi triangle.
On August 22, during the Battle of Charleroi, Lyautey launched an offensive but was repulsed. While he repelled enemy attacks on August 23, the Germans captured crossings on the Maas south of Namur and crossed the river at Dinant on August 24. This threatened the rear of Lyautey's army on the Sambre, forcing him to retreat. On August 25, he evacuated Philippeville without engaging in significant combat.
Lyautey's adversaries took advantage of this setback, leading to his dismissal from command on September 3, 1914. He was replaced by General Louis Franchet d'Espèrey.
Later Career and Retirement
After his dismissal, Lyautey served as Inspector General of Infantry until the end of the war. He retired on August 1, 1917, due to age. Lyautey authored memoirs titled "The French Campaign Plan and the First Months of the War," published in 1920.
