A History of the First World War in 100 Moments: The French general and the deserter

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy "General de Maud'huy had just been roused from sleep on the straw of a shed and was standing in the street when a little group of unmistakeable purport came round the corner. General de Maud'huy gave a look, then held up his hand so that the party halted, and with his characteristic quick step went up to the doomed man. open image in gallery One of the trenches from which deserters tried to escape "Finally, de Maud'huy held out his hand: 'Yours also is a way of dying for France,' he said.