The Resume

(January 12, 1852-January 3, 1931)
Born in Rivesaltes, France
Chief of Staff of the French army (1911-16)
Commander in Chief of French forces on the Western front (1914-16)

Why he might be annoying:

He became Chief of Staff only after two other generals declined the post.
He was chosen as Commander in Chief despite never having commanded an army before.
At the start of World War I, he ordered a series of offensives against Alsace-Lorraine while the main German army advanced through Belgium and threatened to outflank the Allied forces and capture Paris.
After a series of unsuccessful offensives in 1915-16, he was effectively kicked upstairs by being appointed Marshall of France and assigned an advisory role.

Why he might not be annoying:

He developed the successful plans for rapid mobilization of the army at the start of World War I.
He was known for remaining calm under pressure.
He regrouped the retreating Allied armies to stop the German offensive at the decisive First Battle of the Marne (September 5-12, 1914).
He said, 'I don't know who won the Battle of the Marne. But if it had been lost, I know who would have lost it.'

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 94]
• Freemasons
• Generals and Admirals
• I am a Citizen of France
• I Died in 1931 (Ranked: 78)
• Look at Me, My Picture Is Art
• New York City Ticker Tape Parades (Ranked: 1922)
• Profiles 57751-58000 (Ranked: 57944)
• Served in World War I

Year In Review:

For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2023, Out of 16 Votes: 68.75% Annoying