Foch appointed Allies’ generalissimo
Westminster, 1 April 1918 - As the German offensive continues on the western front, French general, Marshal Ferdinand Foch has been appointed Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces.
The news was reported in a lengthy statement from the British Prime Minister Mr Lloyd George:
‘For the past few days, after the German Army had launched upon our lines an attack unparalleled in its concentration of troops and guns, the situation was extremely critical. Thanks to the indomitable bravery of our troops, who gradually stemmed the enemy advance until reinforcements could arrive, and our faithful Ally could enter into the battle, the situation is now improved. The struggle, however, is still only in its opening stages, and no prediction of its future course can yet be made.
‘From the first day the War Cabinet has been in constant session, and in communication with headquarters, and with the French and American Governments. A number of measures have been taken in concert between the Governments to deal with the emergency.’
The British Prime Minister’s statement continued:
‘The enemy has had the incalculable advantage of fighting as one army. To meet this the Allies have since the battle began taken a most important decision. With the cordial co-operation of the British and French Commanders-in-Chief General Foch has been charged by the British, French, and American Governments to co-ordinate the action of the Allied armies on the Western front.’
Finally, in preparing British and Irish audiences for what is to come, the Prime Minister added that whatever may happen ‘the country must be prepared for further sacrifices to ensure final victory’.
French and British divisions fighting side by side. It was hoped the appointment of a Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces would ensure the victory against the Germans. Click image to enlarge. (Image: Illustrated London News, 13 April 1918)
[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]
