http://www.historynet.com/book-review-france-at-bay-1870-1871-by-douglas-fermer.htm From the World's Largest History Magazine Publisher Wed, 22 May 2013 02:58:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://www.historynet.com/book-review-france-at-bay-1870-1871-by-douglas-fermer.htm#comment-807447 J N Stansfeld Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:44:53 +0000 http://www.historynet.com/?p=13685211#comment-807447 This book is an excellent and highly informative read. Zacharis comments on the surprising fact that the French were unable to hold Paris with far more troops than the Germans had. It is worth pointing out that Douglas Fermer also states (p131) that a 'besetting sin of French troops' was/is to 'follow orders to secure their positions adequately' (ibid). The French are wonderful people but their strength does not lie in following orders! (As President Pompidou said, How do you govern a country with 365 types of cheese?) This book is an excellent and highly informative read. Zacharis comments on the surprising fact that the French were unable to hold Paris with far more troops than the Germans had. It is worth pointing out that Douglas Fermer also states (p131) that a 'besetting sin of French troops' was/is to 'follow orders to secure their positions adequately' (ibid). The French are wonderful people but their strength does not lie in following orders! (As President Pompidou said, How do you govern a country with 365 types of cheese?)

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