Castelnau, (Noel) Marie-Joseph Edouard, Vicomte de Curieres de (1851-1944)

French general. In World War I he directed the Champagne offensive in the autumn of 1915 and was responsible for the defence of Verdun. He took command of the Eastern Army Group 1918, directing the campaign into Lorraine, and was preparing to besiege Metz and march on the Rhine when the Armistice was signed. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies 1919.

When Joffre was removed 1916, Castelnau was considered as his replacement but his religious beliefs were unpopular and he was temporarily relieved of active duty. One of the finest French commanders, it was unfortunate that his religion and politics were, even in war, enough to bar him from the highest command.