Not May 27th (the break through on the Aisne)--not March 21st (the break through at St.Quentin)--but May and June, 1917--'_les mutineries dans l'armee_,' _i.e._, that bitter time of '_depression morale_,' as another French military critic calls it, affecting the glorious French Army, which followed on General Nivelle's campaign on the Aisne--March and April, 1917--with its high hopes of victory, its initial success, its appalling losses, and its ultimate check.

Many causes combined, however--among them the leave-system in the French Army, and many grievances as to food, billeting, and the like: and the discontent was alarming and widespread.

But," said General Gouraud, "Petain stepped in and saved the situation." "How ?" one asked.

"_Il s'occupa du soldat_--( he gave his mind to the soldier)--that was all." The whole leave-system was transformed, the food supply and the organisation of the Army canteens were immensely improved--pay was raised--and everything was done that could be done, while treating actual mutiny with a stern hand, to meet the soldiers' demands.

"In our army," said General Gouraud, "a system of discipline like that of the German Army is impossible.