This book, more than just a biography, shows us one of our great soldiers, a man whose only concern in life was France. He never yielded to compromises and the fluctuations of politics. As Foch’s right-hand man, this devout Catholic, which would later be a disadvantage to him, inherited the debacle. In May 1940, he was called upon to take on the errors of a poorly conducted war, and they wanted to lead him to capitulation, but he refused, declaring that only an armistice would be honorable.
The author retraces this tragic and painful period of our country. Weygand did not waver. Vichy was controlled by Laval, Darlan, Pucheu, with the marshal being used as their stooge. Weygand was removed from power and sent to Africa. He contributed to the formation of the French army, which would move from bell tower to bell tower until reaching the heart of Germany. At liberation, politicians resumed their malevolent games against France, and he had to justify himself.
Weygand was neither a Freemason nor a courtier, and more seriously, he was a practicing Catholic—three charges for attempting to tarnish his reputation. The real culprits of the defeat strutted like roosters and returned to power. Weygand was a soldier, and even as he approached 100 years old, in the final insult, under orders from the Elysée in 1965, he was denied access to the church of the army, Saint Louis des Invalides.
The President of the Republic, forgetting all Christian charity, maintained his hatred toward a general and man who likely overshadowed his own glory. The author shows us that, today, it is not insignificant; being French is not just about blood, but the will to love this country.
Weygand, born in Belgium to unknown parents, climbed all the levels of the military hierarchy after his naturalization at 20. He was recognized by François Joseph Weygand, the accountant of his guardian David Cohen.
A splendid book that must absolutely be read, a life, a lesson for our time, mired in materialism and individualism.
Thierry Jan
