Andre and Pierre de Gailhard-Bancel (brothers), 252 RI.
Born at Marseilles (Andre on 10 March 1887 and Pierre on 7 December 1888), the brothers both served their compulsory national service in the 52nd Infantry Regiment (1907 and 1908 respectively) and became officer aspirants before returning to civilian life. Andre began training in the priesthood and Pierre became an agricultural engineer before being recalled into service on 1 August 1914. Assigned to the 252nd Infantry Regiment (the reserve regiment of the 52nd), Andre (temporarily released from Holy Orders) served as a Sous/Lieutenant and Pierre as a Lieutenant.
Both were killed in the same combat at St Baussant/Bois de Mort Mare on the first day of the two-day battle and, sadly, neither has a known grave.
12 December 1914
Research by David O'Mara, Croonaert Research Services.
