Maurice Gamelin

ModernGeneralFrance1872 — 1958

French commander-in-chief who lost the Battle of France.

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Quick Facts

Born

1872

Died

1958

Country

France

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)26

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)52

Legacy (20%)41

Leadership (15%)51

Strategy (15%)39

Total Score42.5

Maurice Gamelin — Complete Timeline

1939 AD

Appointed Commander-in-Chief of French ArmyPolitical Action◆ Major

Gamelin was appointed Supreme Commander of the French Armed Forces at the outbreak of World War II. He was responsible for implementing the Dyle Plan, which committed the main French forces to Belgium in response to a German invasion.

World War IIFrench CommandDyle Plan

Impact: national

1940 AD

Battle of France - Defeat and CollapseWar

German forces invaded France through the Ardennes, bypassing the Maginot Line. Gamelin's command structure failed to respond effectively to the German breakthrough at Sedan. The French army was encircled and forced into retreat, leading to the fall of France.

World War IIBattle of FranceDefeat

Impact: globaltragic

Dismissed as Commander-in-ChiefPolitical Action◆ Major

On May 19, 1940, French Prime Minister Paul Reynaud dismissed Gamelin for his failure to stop the German offensive. He was replaced by Maxime Weygand. Gamelin was later arrested by the Vichy regime and tried at the Riom Trial.

World War IIDismissalVichy France

Impact: nationaldestructive