page_title: French military mission to Greece (1911–1914)
section_title: Balkan Wars and aftermath
hierarchical_section_title: French military mission to Greece (1911–1914) / Balkan Wars and aftermath
caption_attribution_description: Español: Artillería griega en acción durante las Guerras Balcánicas.
context_page_description: The 1911–1914 French military mission to Greece was called to Greece by the government of Eleftherios Venizelos to reorganize the Hellenic Army, parallel to a British naval mission for the Royal Hellenic Navy. The French mission arrived in January 1911, under the command of General Joseph-Paul Eydoux, replaced in April 1914 by General Étienne de Villaret. Its reforms contributed to the Greek army's success during the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913. It remained in the country until it was repatriated shortly after the outbreak of World War I in August 1914.
context_section_description: In large part due to the efforts of the French mission, in parallel with the strengthening of the Greek navy, the Greek leadership became increasingly confident of its chances of success in a possible war against the Ottoman Empire. While Greek staff officers like Metaxas, with the bitter experience of 1897 in mind, advocated for a defensive stance deep inside Greek territory to force a stalemate, while the navy secured control of the Aegean. This would not only allow it to threaten the Ottoman rear with landing actions, but would also entice the other Balkan countries into attacking the Ottomans. Eydoux, on the other hand, in accordance with the French Army's cult of the offensive, advocated an invasion of Ottoman territory. More importantly, the overhaul of the mobilization system by the French allowed Greece to field and equip a far greater number of troops than it had in 1897. While foreign observers estimated Greece would mobilize a force of approximately 50,000 men, during the Balkan Wars of 1912–1913, the Greek Army eventually fielded a force of 105,000, with another 140,000 in the National Guard and reserves.
  During the two Balkan Wars, some French officers were placed in field staffs, but most were assigned roles in the rear services, training reserves and organizing the commissariat. This was the particular purview of Colonel Bonnier. His efforts much improved the supply situation, but significant problems remained, giving the pro-German circles once again reasons to criticize the French mission's performance.
  After the end of the conflict, on 17 October 1913 the members of the French mission were again reassigned. De Tournadre assumed command of the 2nd Regiment's rear depot, while remaining in charge of the Cavalry Directorate and the Riding School, with Lt. Colonel Herdillon as his deputy. Bonnier was replaced by the newly arrived Lt. Colonel Cazeres as head of the Finance Directorate, and the Lt. Colonel of the Medical Corps Coursergues was appointed as assistant to Colonel of the Medical Corps Arnaud. Holtzapfell, now a lieutenant colonel, assumed control over the rear depots of the artillery, while Major Thabard those of the Engineers. Bordeaux, now a colonel, assumed command of the depots of the 1st and 7th Regiments, in which Lt. Colonel Grabrel and Major Romieu assumed command of a battalion each. 
  The post-war organization of the Greek Army included the creation of new divisions and, for the first time, army corps. By royal decree on 29 November, Eydoux was placed in command of the I Army Corps at Athens, which was to be a model formation with special training purposes for the entire army, with the various army academies and schools subordinated to it. Colonel Bosquier was placed his as chief of staff and the newly arrived Lt. Colonel Bonifacy as Eydoux's aide-de-camp. Another new arrival, Major Cozares, took over I Corps' commissariat, and Lt. Colonel Couserques its medical services. Colonel Bordeaux took over command of the 2nd Infantry Division, and Lt. Colonel Grardel of the 1st Infantry Regiment, with Romieu as his deputy. Lt. Colonel Holtzapfell was appointed commander of the Field Artillery Regiment and of the various artillery training schools. Likewise, De Tournadre, while retaining all his previous duties, was placed in charge of the Cavalry Regiment, with Major Louville as his deputy. The newly arrived Major Thabard was put in charge of the Engineers School and the various attached training courses. On 7 January 1914, Colonel Descoins assumed command of the re-established Cavalry Brigade. Finally, in April 1914, Eydoux was replaced by Étienne de Villaret.
  On 5 September 1914, following the outbreak of World War I, the French mission was recalled to serve in France.
caption: Greek artillery during the Balkan Wars
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