1-218-435 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

General Philippe Petain, commander of the French Second Army, Verdun, France, 1916. Petain (1856-1951) assumed command of the Second Army manning the front south of Verdun in July 1915. When the Germans enjoyed early success in their assault on Verdun in 1916 General Joffre placed Petain in direct command of its defence, a task which he accomplished to widespread acclaim. In 1918 he was promoted to Commander-in-Chief of the French Army.