The Soldier: GREMILLARD Jean
His Story :
Jean Baptiste GREMILLARD is born on the 30th of December 1886 in Rosey, Saône-et-Loire (71) to parents Albin GREMILLARD and Louise MALATY. Unfortunately, little information is evident about the civilian life of this man before his military service, but GREMILLARD is noted as being a winemaker on his registration document and will marry Suzanne RAQUILLET the 24th of April 1911 in the commune of Chalon-sur-Saône. In 1907, GREMILLARD joins the 3rd Cuirassier Regiment to complete his military service, but according to his registration document, will continue his service reengaging with the army for multiple periods through the last semester of 1914. In September 1908, GREMILLARD is promoted to brigadier, and in October 1910 attains the rank of Maréchal des Logis. Cuirassiers, heavy cavalry units first used in the 1600s and recognized for the wearing of the “cuirasse” armor, will adopt their cavalry methods that the First World War will quickly render obsolete.
Still engaged with the French Army as the country mobilizes, Maréchal des Logis GREMILLARD will launch himself into Belgium in the first few days of the campaign. Stationed in the region of Florenville, Belgium, GREMILLARD and the 3rd Cuirassier Regiment will participate in the first combats against the German Army, before retreating and playing a crucial role in the mobile battles of the “race to the sea”. The First World War stagnates as no army present on the Western Front is decisive with their first offensive, and as a result, GREMILLARD will occupy the trenches in the Nieuwpoort sector through the first months of 1915. GREMILLARD’s devotion to the army will see him promoted to the rank of second-lieutenant of the reserve regiment of the 116th Infantry Regiment (the 316th Infantry Regiment, her number +200) in February 1915, corresponding with the date and information he gives us with his photo. With the 316th Infantry Regiment, stationed at Moulin-sous-Touvent (60) at the period of the photo, GREMILLARD will maintain this sector until March of 1915. Involved in the combats at Moulin-sous-Touvent, in the Quennevières and Ferme d’Ecafaut sectors, GREMILLARD is wounded the 6th of June by heavy shell explosion to the right ear drum. Continuing his campaign another year in good health, GREMILLARD is transferred to the 265th Infantry Regiment after the 316th dissolves in June 1916. For the 265th, summer 1916 marks bloody Battle of the Somme, a battle in which GREMILLARD will participate only one month.
Only 29 years old, Jean Baptiste GREMILLARD is killed the 20th of July 1916. His death, one of 67000 of French nationality during the five month Battle of the Somme, will be followed by another 845 days of bloody fighting. GREMILLARD will receive posthumously the Croix de Guerre award with citation at the order of the army and the Legion d’Honneur, but these decorations will no doubt give little comfort to his wife Suzanne. “Officer of a great bravery. After having given during difficult combats all the value of his heroism, gloriously fell for France.” Never forget Jean Baptiste GREMILLARD, son of France.
Dedicated to the memory of this soldier.
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Registration Document: tinyurl.com/nhdv4hr7
Geneanet Search: tinyurl.com/4jkhmy3p
In red ink, GREMILLARD’s registration document declares his death the 20th of July 1916, 500m (meters) south of Estrées-Deniécourt, Somme (80).
GREMILLARD, photographed in a studio during his time with the 316th Infantry Regiment, February 1915.
GREMILLARD’s name is inscribed on a monument in the commune of Saint-Désert, Saône-et-Loire (71).
The Official Journal of the Republic recognizes the sacrifice of GREMILLARD in a publication the 18th of July 1920.
GREMILLARD writes all the information necessary, on the back of this photo, to attribute his portrait to a soldier and his journey through WWI.