What is the primary identity of the 6th Army (France)?

The 6th Army, known in French as '6eme Armée', was a field army of the French Army. A field army is a major military formation, typically comprising several corps, designed for sustained combat operations.

In which major global conflicts did the French Sixth Army participate?

The French Sixth Army served as a field army of the French Army during both World War I and World War II.

When was the French Sixth Army initially formed during World War I?

The French Sixth Army was initially formed on August 26, 1914, early in World War I.

What was the composition of the French Sixth Army at its formation in World War I?

At its formation, the Sixth Army was composed of troops from various disparate French armies. These included the 4th and 7th active army corps (detached from the Third and First Armies, respectively), the 5th and 6th groups of reserve divisions, the 45th and 37th Infantry Divisions, a native brigade, and a cavalry corps.

Who commanded the 5th and 6th groups of reserve divisions within the French Sixth Army during its formation?

General de Lamaze commanded the 5th and 6th groups of reserve divisions that were part of the French Sixth Army's initial composition.

What strategic decision by Alexander von Kluck's German First Army created an opportunity for the French Sixth Army?

Alexander von Kluck rotated his German First Army away from Paris to reinforce Karl von Bülow's German Second Army, a strategic maneuver that created an opportunity for the French Sixth Army.

Who issued the order for the French Sixth Army to attack Alexander von Kluck's forces?

Joseph Gallieni, a French general, ordered the Sixth Army to attack von Kluck's forces following the German First Army's strategic rotation.

What was the consequence of the German First Army's counterattack during the events leading to the First Battle of the Marne?

Although the German First Army counterattacked, this action inadvertently allowed John French's British Expeditionary Force to occupy a twenty-mile salient between the two German armies, which marked the beginning of the First Battle of the Marne. A salient is a battlefield feature that projects into enemy territory.

Which British general commanded the British Expeditionary Force during the events that led to the First Battle of the Marne?

John French, 1st Earl of Ypres, commanded the British Expeditionary Force during this critical period.

What was the French Sixth Army's contribution to the opening attack of the Battle of the Somme?

The French Sixth Army contributed three corps to the opening attack of the Battle of the Somme. The Battle of the Somme was one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War I, fought by the armies of the British and French empires against the German Empire.

Which specific corps from the French Sixth Army participated in the initial phase of the Battle of the Somme?

The 20th Army Corps, I Colonial Corps, and 35th Corps from the French Sixth Army were the units that participated in the opening attack of the Battle of the Somme.

Who was the first commander of the French Sixth Army during World War I, and what was his tenure?

General Michel-Joseph Maunoury was the first commander of the French Sixth Army during World War I, serving from August 26, 1914, to March 13, 1915.

Who succeeded General Michel-Joseph Maunoury as commander of the French Sixth Army in World War I, and for how long?

General Pierre Joseph Dubois succeeded General Michel-Joseph Maunoury, commanding the Sixth Army from March 13, 1915, to February 26, 1916.

During what period did General Émile Fayolle lead the French Sixth Army in World War I?

General Émile Fayolle led the French Sixth Army from February 26 to December 19, 1916.

When did General Charles Mangin assume command of the French Sixth Army, and when did his tenure end?

General Charles Mangin assumed command of the French Sixth Army on December 19, 1916, and his tenure concluded on May 4, 1917.

What were the start and end dates of General Paul Maistre's command of the French Sixth Army during World War I?

General Paul Maistre commanded the French Sixth Army from May 4 to December 11, 1917.

Who commanded the French Sixth Army between December 11, 1917, and June 10, 1918?

General Denis Auguste Duchêne commanded the French Sixth Army during this period in World War I.

What was the duration of General Jean Degoutte's first period of command for the French Sixth Army in World War I?

General Jean Degoutte's first period of command for the French Sixth Army lasted from June 10 to September 11, 1918.

Which general briefly commanded the French Sixth Army in late 1918, between two tenures of General Jean Degoutte?

General Antoine Baucheron de Boissoudy briefly commanded the French Sixth Army from October 15 to November 18, 1918.

When did General Jean Degoutte resume command of the French Sixth Army for his second tenure in World War I?

General Jean Degoutte resumed command of the French Sixth Army on November 18, 1918, marking his second tenure as its commander.

When was the French Sixth Army formed during World War II?

The French Sixth Army was formed for World War II on September 2, 1939.

Who was the initial commander of the French Sixth Army at the beginning of World War II, and what was his command period?

General Antoine-Marie-Benoît Besson was the initial commander of the French Sixth Army during World War II, serving from September 2, 1939, to October 16, 1939.

Who succeeded General Antoine-Marie-Benoît Besson as commander of the French Sixth Army in World War II?

General René Olry succeeded General Antoine-Marie-Benoît Besson, commanding the French Sixth Army from October 16, 1939, to February 13, 1940.

Who was the last commander listed for the French Sixth Army during World War II, and what was his tenure?

General Robert-Auguste Touchon was the last commander listed for the French Sixth Army during World War II, serving from February 13, 1940, to July 1, 1940.

What additional resource is suggested for those interested in French military organization during World War I?

The article suggests consulting the 'List of French armies in WWI' for more information on French military organization during that conflict.

What types of units, beyond active army corps, contributed to the initial formation of the French Sixth Army in World War I?

Beyond the active army corps, the initial formation of the French Sixth Army included reserve divisions, infantry divisions, a native brigade, and a cavalry corps, demonstrating a diverse composition of military units.

What was the strategic objective of Joseph Gallieni's order for the Sixth Army to attack von Kluck's forces?

Joseph Gallieni's order for the Sixth Army to attack von Kluck's forces was a strategic move aimed at engaging the German First Army after it had moved away from Paris to reinforce another German army, thereby creating a vulnerable flank.

How did the French Sixth Army's attack contribute to the broader strategic situation at the First Battle of the Marne?

The French Sixth Army's attack, despite a German counterattack, played a crucial role by creating a twenty-mile gap that the British Expeditionary Force exploited, leading to the commencement of the First Battle of the Marne, a pivotal battle that halted the German advance on Paris.

What is the significance of the 37th Infantry Division being mentioned in the initial composition of the French Sixth Army?

The mention of the 37th Infantry Division highlights that specific, established infantry units were integrated into the newly formed Sixth Army, indicating a blend of existing and newly organized forces.

What was the overall duration of the French Sixth Army's existence as a field army during World War I, based on its command dates?

Based on the command dates provided, the French Sixth Army existed as a field army throughout most of World War I, from its formation on August 26, 1914, through to November 18, 1918.

What was the overall duration of the French Sixth Army's existence as a field army during World War II, based on its command dates?

Based on the command dates provided, the French Sixth Army existed as a field army during the early part of World War II, from September 2, 1939, to July 1, 1940.

Which German army was Alexander von Kluck's First Army attempting to reinforce when it moved away from Paris?

Alexander von Kluck's German First Army was attempting to reinforce Karl von Bülow's German Second Army when it made the strategic rotation away from Paris.

What was the specific length of the salient occupied by the British Expeditionary Force during the First Battle of the Marne?

The British Expeditionary Force occupied a twenty-mile salient between the German First and Second Armies, a critical development at the start of the First Battle of the Marne.

What type of military unit is a 'native brigade' as mentioned in the composition of the French Sixth Army?

A native brigade, as mentioned in the composition of the French Sixth Army, typically refers to a military unit composed of soldiers recruited from indigenous populations or colonial territories, serving under the command of the French Army.

6th Army France Wiki: Echoes of Command: The French Sixth Army's Legacy in Global Conflicts

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Overview

Formation and Purpose

The Sixth Army (French: 6eme Armée) constituted a significant field army within the French military structure, active during both the First and Second World Wars. Its establishment on August 26, 1914, marked a critical moment in the early stages of World War I, as it was rapidly assembled from diverse units to address immediate strategic imperatives.

Initial Composition

Upon its formation, the Sixth Army was a composite force, drawing strength from various existing French armies. Its initial structure included two active army corps—the 4th and 7th, detached from the Third and First Armies respectively—along with the 5th and 6th groups of reserve divisions, commanded by General de Lamaze. Further augmenting its ranks were the 45th and 37th Infantry Divisions, a native brigade, and a dedicated cavalry corps, reflecting a blend of regular and reserve forces designed for rapid deployment and operational flexibility.

World War I Engagements

The First Battle of the Marne

A pivotal moment for the Sixth Army occurred during the First Battle of the Marne. Following General Alexander von Kluck's strategic maneuver of the German First Army away from Paris to reinforce General Karl von Bülow's German Second Army, General Joseph Gallieni, the Military Governor of Paris, issued orders for the Sixth Army to launch a decisive attack on von Kluck's forces. This offensive action, despite a German counterattack, proved instrumental. It created a critical twenty-mile salient between the two German armies, which the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), under General John French, was able to exploit, thereby initiating the First Battle of the Marne and ultimately halting the German advance towards Paris.^[1]

The Battle of the Somme

The French Sixth Army also played a significant role in the opening phases of the Battle of the Somme, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War I. For this monumental offensive, France committed three corps from the Sixth Army: the 20th Army Corps, the I Colonial Corps, and the 35th Corps. Their participation underscored the substantial contribution of the Sixth Army to the Allied efforts on the Western Front, engaging in intense combat that characterized this prolonged and costly engagement.^[2]

Commanders

World War I Leadership

Throughout the tumultuous years of World War I, the French Sixth Army was led by a succession of distinguished generals, each navigating the complex strategic and tactical challenges of the Western Front. Their tenures reflect the dynamic nature of command during a period of unprecedented warfare.

General Michel-Joseph Maunoury (26 August 1914 – 13 March 1915)
General Pierre Joseph Dubois (13 March 1915 – 26 February 1916)
General Émile Fayolle (26 February – 19 December 1916)
General Charles Mangin (19 December 1916 – 4 May 1917)
General Paul Maistre (4 May – 11 December 1917)
General Denis Auguste Duchêne (11 December 1917 – 10 June 1918)
General Jean Degoutte (10 June – 11 September 1918)
General Antoine Baucheron de Boissoudy (15 October – 18 November 1918)
General Jean Degoutte (18 November 1918)

World War II Leadership

The French Sixth Army was reactivated for service in World War II, facing a new set of challenges and a rapidly evolving battlefield. Its commanders during this period were tasked with leading their forces through the initial phases of the conflict.

General Antoine-Marie-Benoît Besson (2 September 1939 – 16 October 1939)
General René Olry (16 October 1939 – 13 February 1940)
General Robert-Auguste Touchon (13 February – 1 July 1940)

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References

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This is not professional military or strategic advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official historical archives, military doctrines, or seeking expert analysis from qualified historians or military strategists. Always refer to primary sources and academic scholarship for comprehensive and authoritative understanding of historical military operations. Never disregard professional historical or strategic advice because of something you have read on this website.

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Echoes of Command

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Overview 📜

🛡️ Formation and Purpose

🧩 Initial Composition

World War I Engagements ⚔️

🌊 The First Battle of the Marne

🩸 The Battle of the Somme

Commanders 🎖️

⭐ World War I Leadership

🌍 World War II Leadership

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Formation and Purpose

Initial Composition

World War I Engagements

The First Battle of the Marne

The Battle of the Somme

Commanders

World War I Leadership

World War II Leadership

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice