113 - Militaria: WWI/World War I 1914–1918 / Rare Handwritten Document from General Headquarters, 1917 - General Pétain’s Harsh Disciplinary Order—Violence by French Soldiers Against Military Police—An authentic administrative copy from the period (field military secretariat) of a secret order from General Headquarters (G.Q.G.).Author of the original order: General Philippe Pétain, Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces (handwritten note: “Signed: Pétain”). This direct order from Pétain condemns disciplinary abuses by soldiers on the front lines following the mutinies of 1917. He condemns the “serious acts of violence” and “insults” directed by soldiers toward the Gendarmes responsible for maintaining order behind the front lines, as well as the inaction of certain officers. Pétain demands “severe penalties” against any offender. Below, the blue transmission note orders that this be communicated immediately to the men of the company to put an end to these incidents.