The son of Michel de Castelnau, mayor of Saint-Affrique, Noël Édouard Marie Joseph de Curières de Castelnau was born in Saint-Affrique, into an aristocratic family of the Rouergue. He is the third of five children. His … See more

At the declaration of war, he joined his army being mobilised in Nancy. On 15 August 1914, the five French armies went on the offensive against the Germans, who were in the process … See more

In June 1940, as soon as the Armistice was announced, he distanced himself from all those who rallied to the Vichy regime. He resigned from his … See more

Many of the quotes attributed to Castelnau are apocryphal. On the other hand, there some are attested to by irrefutable documents. For example, Castelnau was quoted as saying "Forward, everywhere, all the way" on 25 August 1914 at the Battle of the … See more

He made a solemn entry into Colmar on 22 November 1918 during the celebrations for the town's liberation. On that occasion, the press around the world announced his elevation to the dignity of a marshal, but the government refused. However, public opinion demanded … See more

Like all the great military leaders of the Great War, Castelnau has had his supporters and detractors. The judgement of current historians who describe him as one of the most brilliant and accomplished, if not the most accomplished, general officers of his … See more

• 25/03/1906 : Brigadier
• 21/12/1909 : Major General
• 12/07/1912 : Lieutenant General
• 19/12/1916 : General
• 1921 General retained in activity without limit of time. See more