Place du Général Monclar

“A general’s square in Paris?” you might wonder. Here at Place du Général Monclar, the name whispers echoes of a life less ordinary. Place du Général Monclar, tucked away in the 15th arrondissement, isn’t just a square. It’s a tribute to a remarkable man, Raoul Magrin-Vernerey, also known as General Monclar. The square, officially named in 1979, absorbed a section of Rue Georges-Pitard, further solidifying Monclar’s place in Parisian history. Place du Général Monclar commemorates a soldier who served in two World Wars, a champion of the Free French Forces during World War II. He saw action in Norway in 1940, leading the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion in a victory at Narvik. This victory was a rare bright spot for the French in 1940. Monclar’s commitment to France took him to East Africa, participating in the battles of Keren and Massawa. In a twist of fate, he later refused to fight against fellow Frenchmen in the Levant, a decision that ultimately led to his replacement in the 13th DBLE. But Monclar’s story doesn’t end there. After World War II, his path took an unexpected turn. Nearing retirement, he volunteered to command the UN French Battalion in Korea. He even accepted a demotion to lieutenant-colonel to lead these men. His bravery and leadership during the Korean War, especially at the Battle of Chipyong-ni in 1951, earned him praise from US General Matthew Ridgway. Ridgway lauded the American and French troops’ exceptional battle conduct under Monclar’s command. Place du Général Monclar isn’t simply a place to pass through. It’s a place to pause and reflect on the extraordinary journey of a man who dedicated his life to service.