Order regulating the conduct of French Soldiers
opposite German Officers
Amiens, March 25th 1871
(Original Text in French, with English Translation)

This is a typical example of the kind of order that was issued by German military authorities in France during the period following the end of the Franco-Prussian War. It must have been galling for French soldiers to be required to salute the recent enemy. Large areas of France were occupied by German troops for several years after the end of the war, and French military life would eventually resume in these areas- for example at Nancy, a major German headquarters during the occupation, French officer training resumed soon after the war had ended- and relations between the former enemies quickly settled into a peaceful routine.

French Text

Chaque soldat français en uniforme doit rendre les honneurs militaires aux officiers de l`armée allemande.

Tout soldat qui ne se conformera pas à cet ordre sera immédiatement arrêté et sévèrement puni.

Amiens, le 25 mars 1871.

Le Général-major et Commandant,
von Ruville

English

Every French soldier in uniform is to give full military honours to officers of the German Army.

All soldiers who do not conform to this order will be arrested immediately and severely punished.

Amiens, 25th March 1871.

Major-General and Commandant,
von Ruville

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