Correspondent in London
It is delightful to see a French general second in command of a British division formed to fight Napoleon's soldiers in Spain. Although he wears a French uniform, Brigadier General Armel Dirou is the deputy boss of the prestigious 1st Division of the United Kingdom. A formation created in 1809 during the Peninsular Wars, after the intervention of the Napoleonic armies in Iberian lands. At the time of the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, this integration of a French general officer into the English ranks is the best illustration of the solidity of military and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The 1st Division took up residence in the beautiful city of York, a fortified city created by the Romans in the north-east of England. In the headquarters building, General Dirou's office adjoins that of General Dan Reeve. The Frenchman is de facto his number two, commanding the main CP and, as such, responsible…
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