35021 FRENCH OFFICERS 1940

The French army and a large part of its officer corps, joining the Second World War, were prepared and trained on the basis of experiences resulting mainly from the Great War. Thus, the French officer corps adhered to the defensive doctrine of war, which placed particular emphasis on the methodical preparation of operations, their careful planning, as well as ensuring the strongest possible artillery support. In this doctrine, armored weapons were perceived as support for infantry units, which was reflected in the French armored structures of that time - they focused primarily on thick armor, possibly strong armament, and speed and maneuverability were of secondary importance. It should also be added that in 1939-1940 the French command system was largely ossified, formalized, and gave lower officers relatively little freedom of action. He often delayed the actions of French units. All these elements had a disastrous effect on the attitude of the French army during the 1940 campaign. It is worth adding, however, that in the course of this campaign the talent and skill of a few French officers, especially General Charles de Gaulle, who will later lead the Free French, shone through. After 1940, Gen. Philippe Leclerc - commander of the 2nd Armored Division during the Normandy landing in 1944.