Joffre, Joseph Jacques Césaire (X 1869 ; 1852-1931).

Marshal of France. He participated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 in artillery. After the defeat, he returned to Polytechnique and chose the corps of engineers. He participated in various fortification works until 1885, when he embarked on Formosa where he held the post of chief engineer. His colonial career continued in Sudan and then in Madagascar. Joffre returned to France to become Director of Engineering (1904-1906) and, in 1911, Chief of the Defense Staff. Victorious on the Marne in 1914, he led the French troops until December 26, 1917. Nivelle replaced him the same day he received the marshal's staff. Considered one of the fathers of victory, he was received at the French Academy in 1918