Maxime Weygand

Maxime Weygand (January 21, 1867 - January 28, 1965) was a French military commander in both World War I and World War II.

Origin of Weygand

Weygand was born in Brussels, Belgium. Some sources say that he was the illegitimate son of Empress Carlota of Mexico. Weygand refused to either confirm or deny this rumour, which gives rise to think that it was inaccurate. He was educated in Marseille by the Cohen de Léon family.

Related Topics:
Brussels - Belgium - Carlota of Mexico - Marseille

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However, in his bulky memoires he says practically nothing of his youth, devoting thereto only 4 pages out of 651. He mentions the gouvernante and the aumonier of his college, who instilled in him a strong Catholic faith. His memoires essentially begin with his entry into the preparatory class of Saint-Cyr Military School in Paris, as if he had wished to erase his debt to the Jewish family that had accommodated him, and ensured his education.

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Indeed, he expressed extreme antisemitism, especially during the Second World War.

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He was accepted into the École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, under the name of "Maxime de Nimal", as a foreign cadet (Belgian). Successfully graduating in 1887, he was first posted to a cavalry regiment. He was then adopted by an accountant of Mr. Cohen de Léon, Mr. Weygand, from whom he took his surname. He became a naturalized French citizen and became an instructor at Saumur.

Related Topics:
École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr - 1887 - Cavalry - Saumur

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At the time of the Dreyfus affair, he was one of the most antidreyfusard officers of his regiment, while supporting the widow of Colonel Henry, who committed suicide after the discovery of the falsification of the charges against Captain Dreyfus.

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Once promoted to Captain, Weygand chose not to attempt the difficult preparation of the High School of War, because of his desire, he said, to keep contact with the troops. This did not prevent him from later becoming an instructor at the aristocratic School of Cavalry of Saumur.

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