Gallieni, Joseph Simon (1849–1916)

French general, nicknamed ‘The Saviour of Paris’ from his plans for the defence of the city as military governor in World War I. He brought the city's fortifications to a state of readiness and rendered considerable assistance to the French 6th Army operating outside Paris. His rallying of all the Parisian taxi-cabs to take reinforcements to the front became a legend.

As governor of Madagascar 1896–1905, he organized the island as a French colony. He became minister of war October 1915 but resigned due to ill-health and died 27 May 1916. He was posthumously awarded the distinction of Marshal of France 1921.