When the Taxis Saved Paris During WW1

The "Taxis of the Marne" were a pivotal resource in World War I during the First Battle of the Marne (September 1914). With German forces advancing towards Paris, French military commander General Joseph Gallieni requisitioned a fleet of Parisian taxis to transport nearly 6,000 French troops to the front lines quickly. This improvised operation demonstrated innovative military logistics and showcased the resourcefulness of the French military under pressure.

Approximately 600 Renault AG1 taxis, painted in their iconic red-and-black livery, were commandeered. Each taxi carried about five soldiers, and their meters reportedly continued running, symbolizing the civilian contribution to the war effort. While their impact on troop numbers was modest, the event had significant symbolic value, boosting French morale and solidifying Paris's defense. The Taxis of the Marne remain a celebrated example of civil-military cooperation and ingenuity in warfare, becoming an enduring symbol of French resilience during World War I.