Memorial "Le Poilu Libérateur"

This statue in the Parc République commemorates World War I.

Statue of an upright soldier, signed by sculptor Henri Bouchard.
On the plinth:
"To the Poilu Liberator
The souvenir Français de la Moselle
1918 "

"Poilu" is an informal term for a French World War I infantryman, which literally means "hairy". According to some, the nickname was given during the Great War, due to the living conditions of the soldiers in the trenches.
They grew their beards and mustaches.
The poilu was best known for its love of pinard, its ration of cheap wine.
The image of the chased French soldier was widely used in propaganda and war memorials. Typical of a Poilu was his courage and persistence, but not always his unconditional obedience.
The last Poilu of WWI, Lazare Ponticelli is said to have died on March 12, 2008 at the age of 110 in Le Kremlin-Bicêtre.

Do you have more information about this location? Inform us!

Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck