Scratching my head

[Anonymous]

What is the quote, something about:

"No food, no sleep in 24 hours, down to 10 rounds apiece, we attack at dawn."

Or something to that effect? Anyone else heard that one, and if so, who said it?

Thanks!

 

[Redleg]

I've heard that quote before, but I'm not able to find it anywhere...

Maybe someone else can help???

 

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I know of two similar quotes with the same basic meaning. I don't know which one of them is correct but the quote(s) are credited to the French General Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929). The Message was allegedly sent to General Joffre during Battle of the Marne, 8 Sept. 1914.

"Mon centre cède, impossible de me mouvoir, situation excellente, j'attaque!".
("My centre is giving away, it is impossible to move, situation is excellent. I attack!")

The slightly different version is:
"Ma droite est enfoncée, ma gauche cède-tout va bien-j'attaque!"
("My right gives way, my left yields, everything's fine-I attack!").

Regards,
~Sigurd Helge

 

[GuyontheRight]

I think our guest is correct, although Ive heard another translation,

"Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding. Impossible to maneuver. Situation excellent. I am attacking."

Whatever the wording may be, its apparent its apparent its the same quote.

 

[Redleg]

And yet another version:

My right has been rolled up. My left has been driven back. My center has been smashed. I have ordered an advance from all directions.
- in a letter to Marshal Joffre during the Battle of the Marne

But i think GuyontheRight has the right one.

My center is giving way, my right is in retreat; situation excellent. I shall attack.Attaquez!

This one is quoted by Sir Basil H. Liddell-Hart in his book "Reputations" (1928)