The 8th Commanding General

Strasbourg (France), September 21st 2007

At the Aubert de Vincelles barracks thechange of command is executed with symbolism. The pennant of HQ Eurocorps plays a primary role. The Belgian Lieutenant General Charles-Henri DELCOUR hands over his pennant to the chairman of the common committee. Hereby he is relieved of his function. The Spanish chairman, Chief of Defence General Félix Sanz Roldán, has now the task to pass the pennant to the next Commanding General. Accepting this symbol, the Spanish Lieutenant General Pedro PITARCH hereby becomes the 8th Commanding General. Under the applause of the invited guests, both generals shake hands to conclude this transition of command.

 

A ceremony of this importance in the European military environment is marked by the presence of some of the highest military representatives. The framework nations of HQ Eurocorps are represented by the Spanish Chief of Defence General Félix Sanz Roldán, General Wolfgang Schneiderhan, the German Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Hendrik Jennart, representing the Belgian Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Benoit Puga, representing the French Chief of Defence and Lieutenant Colonel Fernand Guth, representing the Luxembourg Chief of Defence. Our homebase in the symbolic capital of Europe explains the presence of the mayor of Strasbourg, Madame Fabienne Keller.

 

The post of Commanding General is filled by Eurocorps’ framework nations on a rotational basis. Their tour of duty lasts two years. In order of chronology, the former commanders of HQ Eurocorps were the Lieutenant Generals: Helmut WILLMANN (Germany), Pierre FORTERRE (France), Leo VAN DEN BOSCH (Belgium), Juan ORTUÑO (Spain), Holger KAMMERHOFF (Germany), Jean-Louis PY (France)and Charles-Henri DELCOUR (Belgium).

 

See article in newspaper "El Pais"

 

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