Mangin
JOSEPH, a general in command of the French forces in Tangier before the World War. He enjoyed remarkable success in training native soldiers, many fighting under him in northern France. In 1912, when El Hiba, Muley Youssef's rival, declared himself sultan, Mangin led his troops to Marakesh and rescued the French officers there. In 1916, in the Battle of Verdun, he captured Fort Douaumont from the Germans, but lost it again. In October Douaumont and Fort Vaux were regained, when the French assumed the offensive. In December General Mangin took Bezonveau Ridge, from which the Prussian Crown Prince had directed the fire on Verdun. In the spring of 1917, General Mangin, attacking ng in the Aisne sector, made important gains between Soissons and Rheims, but political "Defeatists" caused his removal to an obscure post. Clemenceau on accession to office sent Mangin back to the field. In the German drive of March, 1918, when the British Fifth Army was routed, Mangin's timely arrival saved the day. In July, In French and Americans, struck the first 1918, General Mangin, commanding great blow of the Allies' offensive between Soissons and Château-Thierry, penetrating 6 miles on a 28-mile front.