Petain the Soldier

This book was published simultaneously in the U.K. by Thomas Yoseloft Ltd, London. The book is a competent biography of Petain by an academic who had served with the U.S. forces in North Africa and Italy during World War 2. It seeks to look at Petain's role in the Second World War in a pragmatic light, reminding the reader that in 1917 Petain took command of an army on the verge of mutiny, and which had been decimated by blundering generals, not least Nivelle, who did not understand the static nature of trench warfare. Petain emphasized close cooperation between the various arms, advocated a uniform Allied command, and restored the morale of his forces, leading to victory. That is what he must be remembered for.