Background
Billotte was born at Sommeval, in the Aube.
Billotte was born at Sommeval, in the Aube.
He graduated from the Saint-Cyr military academy in 1896 and joined the infantry.
Commissioned in the naval infantry, he served in Indochina and in 1930 became commander of all troops there. He was military governor of Paris in 1937. De Gaulle credits him with persuading top military authorities to order creation of the first two divisions equipped with medium tanks. When French and British field forces went on a war footing in Sep 1939, Billotte took command of the 1st French AG. This was deployed in the frontier from the English Channel to the Maginot Line's left flank near Montmddy. As prescribed by the unfortunate Dyle Plan, Billotte wheeled his armies into Belgium when the Germans attacked on 10 May 1940. At a conference at Casteau on 12 May attended by King Leopold III.
Daladier, Lord Gort (BEF), and senior French commanders. Billottc’s responsibility was extended to include coordination of Allied field armies in Holland and Belgium. The Dutch surrendered 14 May, and two days later Billotte ordered all Allied forces to withdraw from the Dylc Line to the Escaut River. The general was fatally injured in a car accident the night of 21-22 May 1940 after leaving a conference with Weygand in Ypres. Not knowing Weygand’s strategy, the Allies were left in even greater disarray than before. Command of the 1st AG passed to Blanchard. Billotte died after two days in a coma.