Joseph Joffre served as France's wartime Army Commander-in-Chief from the outbreak of war in August 1914 until December 1916.
Variously applauded and excoriated for his performance in military command, Joffre's period as Commander-in-Chief saw him achieve success at the First Battle of the Marne - when the German Army's march on Paris was decisively thrown back - and perceived failure in failing to anticipate the German offensive at Verdun.
Replaced as Commander-in-Chief by Robert Nivelle in December 1916 - as it transpired a disastrous appointment - Joffre was nonetheless awarded the consolation prize of an appointment a Marshal of France. He played no further key role in the remainder of the war.
Use the player above to view footage of Joseph Joffre before war began in 1914.
