Messy Business

Launched on 20 and 21 August 1914 in the offensive of Lorraine, the XV Corps soldiers of the South under the command of General of General Espinasse suffered a bloody and catastrophic defeat. Because they were not supported by their artillery, 80% of them are mowed down by German guns. The twentieth Lorraine body controlled by Foch and eighteenth Languedoc, which are also involved in the attack, suffered the same setbacks. Admittedly, Joffre and Foch remained in the doctrine of the all-out offensive on the model of Napoleon's campaigns. They still believe that the determination, the will, the courage, the charges are fixed bayonets victories, while the fire kills the barrel, iron and steel have become the masters of the battles.
HQ Joffre, the Ministry of War, like defeat is incomprehensible. She signs the death of Generalissimo strategy and announced the invasion of France by the North. But as it does not intend to call into question his plans, as he is excluded accusing Lorraine - the best soldiers of the Republic! - Joffre, with his minister, rejects the failure on the XV Corps and promises to "run farm-martial."
With a rare cynicism, utter disdain for the rights of the accused, upon termination of the physician staff and without the Cathoire established the veracity of the indictments - one must be expeditious - a court martial to condemn and 6 defendants voluntary mutilation. Two were shot for the example.
"Blame the Midi" which Jean-Yves Le Naour assured the script with remarkable historical accuracy is a comic drama of the measurement of events narrated. Participate in this success drawings A. Dan. Way for both of these authors, to do justice to men humiliated, suffered a sneaky racism. As for North public opinion of France, the Southerners, considered mestizo, lazy, big furnace top, enjuivés, can valiant and courageous people are virtually nothing.
A small file, end of the book summarizes all the above and repositions most part, the atmosphere of the time.
As for our General Espinasse, look either in the Larousse illustrated, or in "The Robert proper names." Sacked immediately after August 14, after the Battle of Hell, he knows that lifers. Looking good on the net, a small article will teach you he printed a "daily summary" of the XV Corps operations summary not intended for publication. At the bottom you will find two items that I urge you to read.