1872-1958. French commander in chief of the
Allied armies in France at the outset of
World War II 1939. Replaced by Maxime Weygand
after the German breakthrough at Sedan 1940,
he was tried by the Vichy government as a
scapegoat before the Riom `war guilt' court
1942. He refused to defend himself and was
detained in Germany until released by the
Allies 1945.