General Philippe Petain, commander of the French Second Army, Verdun, France Size:XL: 120 x 80cm with a description of a

with a description of a new species' by William Elford Leach

pictured at Oranmore Castle

He holds a clay pipe in one hand

View of the poultry and provision market

General Philippe Petain, commander of the French Second Army, Verdun, France Size:XL: 120 x 80cm with a description of aGeneral Philippe Petain, commander of the French Second Army, Verdun, France, 1916. Petain (1856 1951) assumed command of the Second Army manning the front south of Verdun in July 1915. When the Germans enjoyed early success in their assault on Verdun in 1916 General Joffre placed Petain in direct command of its defence, a task which he accomplished to widespread acclaim. In 1918 he was promoted to Commander in Chief of the French Army.