The Legendary French General André-Gaston Prételat and His Foresight in World War II

During World War II, there were many notable French generals, each with their own unique contributions to the war effort. However, one name stands out above the rest: André-Gaston Prételat.

Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, Alphonse Juin, Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, and Marie-Pierre Kléber: A Brief Overview of Other Notable Generals

While they all played significant roles, let us briefly explore some of the other prominent French generals of the time:

Philippe Franois Marie Leclerc de Hauteclocque: Commanding the 2nd French Armored Division, he was a key figure in liberating Paris and Strasbourg and even signed the Japanese surrender in 1945 on behalf of France. Alphonse Pierre Juin: Commanding the French Expeditionary Corps in Italy, his troops were instrumental in breaking the German Gustav Line in 1944. Jean Joseph Marie Gabriel de Lattre de Tassigny: Leading the First French Army in the invasion of Southern France and the advance to the German border, he played a critical role in the campaign in Southern Germany. Marie-Pierre Kléber: Leading French troops defending Bir Hakeim and later serving as the French Forces of the Interior's Military Governor of Paris and Chief of Staff, he was a key figure in French resistance and command structures.

While these generals were indeed significant, Prételat's contributions were even more remarkable, particularly in terms of foresight and strategic planning.

Why Jean de Lattre de Tassigny Was Not My Top Choice

While Jean de Lattre de Tassigny was an important general, I believe that André-Gaston Prételat deserves the highest recognition for his remarkable insights and foresight regarding the German invasion of France.

Smackdown: Charles de Gaulle and His Leadership Challenges

Charles de Gaulle, while a charismatic and influential leader, had significant flaws that hindered his effectiveness. He had no constitutional claim to leadership and set up an alternative government, which while supported by the Allied countries, was viewed as self-aggrandizing and partisan. De Gaulle's actions were often driven by personal ambitions rather than the well-being of France. His leadership during World War II, while inspiring, was often marked by a lack of cooperation and a disregard for the needs of the French people.

The Foresight and Vision of André-Gaston Prételat

André-Gaston Prételat was more than just a general. He was a visionary whose strategic thinking saved countless lives and, arguably, delayed the war from its full scale. His foresight was so powerful that if the French had listened to him, they might have prevented the conflict from escalating as it did.

The 1938 Exercise at the French Second Army

In 1938, Prételat was placed in charge of the French Second Army during a cadre exercise. This exercise involved officers imagining a scenario where an opposing force would launch a mobile attack through the Ardennes Forest with heavy air support. The exercise's findings revealed a surprising outcome: the opposing forces could not only cross the Ardennes but do so in less than 60 hours without artillery support. This was a critical insight that went largely unheeded by the French Supreme Council of War, particularly by General Maurice Gamelin, who dismissed Prételat as overly pessimistic.

Despite the initial skepticism, Prételat's vision proved to be uncannily accurate. In 1939, the Germans crossed the Ardennes in 57 hours, nearly matching the 60-hour mark predicted by Prételat's exercise. This early recognition of the Ardennes route as a primary invasion route was pivotal in understanding the German war plan.

The Saar Offensive: A Shrewd Strategic Move

Prételat's foresight wasn't limited to the Ardennes scenario. In 1940, he was placed in charge of the Saar Offensive. While this potential invasion of Germany was a risky venture with dubious success, Prételat's strategic vision was admired. However, the offensive was ultimately halted on direct orders from General Gamelin, who forced Prételat to withdraw his army behind the Maginot Line.

When the Battle of France began, Prételat's foresight became tragically apparent. However, he remained resilient, leading his troops in full retreat and continuing the fight even after France had surrendered. His unit fought valiantly until the final collapse of the French defense.

A Visionary Unsung Hero

André-Gaston Prételat's foresight and strategic thinking were unparalleled. Had the French listened to him, they could have potentially halted the German advance, or at the very least, delayed it significantly. Moreover, his ability to predict the German invasion route was a testament to his keen military mind. While Prételat may not be as renowned as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the war effort and strategic foresight make him a deserving recipient of recognition as the best French general of World War II.