What was the purpose of General Gouraud's memo?
to explain the upcoming Allied strategy
to encourage his forces on the eve of battle
to direct his troops to surrender
to defend his actions to his superiors
General Henri Gouraud was a commander of the French
army in World War I. He sent this memo on the eve of the
Second Battle of the Mame in 1918.
To the French and American Soldiers of the Army: ....
The bombardment will be terrible. You will endure it
without weakness. The attack in a cloud of dust and gas
will be fierce, but your positions and your armament are
formidable.
The strong and brave hearts of free men beat in your
breasts. None will look behind, none will give way....
And therefore your General tells you it will be a glorious
day.
-Gen. Henri Gouraud,
July 16, 1918
