Pictured: Marshal V.I. Chuikov with Captain Philippe de Gaulle at President Charles de Gaulle’s grave in Colombey-les-deux-Eglises, 13 November 1970, one day after the funeral mass held at Notre Dame Cathedral.
The passing of General Charles de Gaulle in November 1970 brought together an extraordinary gathering of world leaders, royalty, and dignitaries to honor a statesman whose influence transcended national and ideological boundaries. Among the attendees were U.S. President Richard Nixon, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, Prince Charles representing the British monarchy, Soviet President Nikolai V. Podgorny, and Marshal Vasily I. Chuikov, a Soviet military hero of humble origins. Their presence at both the memorial service in Notre Dame Cathedral and the gravesite in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises underscored de Gaulle's profound impact on global history. This remarkable convergence of figures from diverse backgrounds and political systems exemplified the respect commanded by de Gaulle, a leader whose legacy as a champion of national sovereignty and resilience united allies and former adversaries in shared remembrance.
Charles de Gaulle was born on 22 November 1890 in Lille, France, into a family of Parisian lawyers. He studied at religious schools in France and Belgium before attending the St. Cyr Military Academy, later joining the 33rd Infantry Regiment under Colonel Pétain in 1912. During World War I, he was wounded, captured, and attempted escape five times, earning a reputation for bravery. Between the wars, he developed military theories advocating the use of tanks and wrote several influential works. During World War II, de Gaulle became a central figure in the Free French Forces, rallying support after his famous 18 June 1940 broadcast. Following the liberation of France in August 1944, he led the Provisional Government.
In December 1944, Josef Stalin and Charles de Gaulle met for the first and only time in Moscow. Their discussions resulted in a military alliance and mutual respect, which influenced their countries' foreign policies in the years that followed. Initially, relations were tense due to Stalin's disdain for France's 1940 defeat and its opposition to Bolshevism. However, with the Soviet Union's entry into WWII and the shift in global dynamics, the meeting became a crucial moment in the evolving relationship between the two nations. De Gaulle's visit reflected both the complex inter-Allied politics and post-war security concerns.
He established the Fifth Republic in 1958, introducing a new constitution with a strong executive. His tenure as President included navigating the Algerian War, withdrawing France from NATO’s integrated military command, fostering Franco-German cooperation, and promoting France's independence on the global stage. After resigning in 1969 following a failed referendum, he retired to write his memoirs and passed away on 9 November 1970, leaving a legacy as a pivotal leader in French history. Dignitaries from around the globe traveled to Paris to pay their respects.
Shortly before President Nixon's arrival, President Nikolai V. Podgorny of the Soviet Union landed in France, accompanied by a large delegation which included Marshal Chuikov. Upon his arrival, Podgorny conveyed his condolences on behalf of the Soviet Union, emphasizing his country’s shared grief with France over the loss of General de Gaulle. His presence underscored the significant respect and admiration General de Gaulle commanded on the global stage, transcending political divides.
Earlier, Prince Charles arrived to pay respects on behalf of the British monarchy. He was joined by Prime Minister Edward Heath, who represented the United Kingdom’s government. The attendance of such prominent figures reflected the widespread international mourning for France’s revered leader and symbolized the profound impact of de Gaulle’s legacy on both allies and former adversaries.
General de Gaulle, as per his wishes, did not have a state funeral. He was buried in a simple ceremony on Thursday morning, 12 November 1970, in the churchyard of Colombey-les-Deux-Églises. At the same time, a memorial service took place at Notre Dame Cathedral beginning at 11 AM, which was attended by President Pompidou, French leaders, and around 80 foreign dignitaries to honor the late soldier-statesman.
President Richard Nixon sits with President Zalamn Shazar of Israel, left, and The Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, 12 November 1970.
Following the memorial service at Notre Dame, Marshal Chuikov was captured on film by the Associated Press leaving the cathedral.
Entries from Richard Nixon’s diary, which provides an outline of the events of the day.
For more, see this link.
An appendix from Richard Nixon’s presidential diary, which provides a list of leaders who attended the reception given by French President Georges Pompidou on the evening of the memorial service.
Henry Giniger of The New York Times wrote the following account of events from Friday, 13 November 1970:
“The tributes to de Gaulle continued. Some of the foreign leaders stayed on for a pilgrimage to Colombey. The Shah of Iran, the chiefs of state or representatives of 15 African nations, most of them former French territories to which de Gaulle gave independence in 1960, and Marshal Vasily I. Chuikov, head of civil defense in the Soviet Defense Ministry and a hero of the Battle of Stalingrad, visited the little graveyard where de Gaulle lies under a simple white cross next to his daughter Anne, who died in 1948 at the age of 20.”
Marshal Chuikov’s presence alongside global dignitaries at General Charles de Gaulle’s grave symbolizes the extraordinary journey of a man born to humble beginnings who rose to command respect on the world stage. Born a peasant, Chuikov became a legendary Soviet marshal, celebrated for his pivotal role in the Battle of Stalingrad and his contributions to civil defense. A day after the solemn funeral mass held at Notre Dame Cathedral, Chuikov joined Captain Philippe de Gaulle and others at the modest grave in Colombey-les-Deux-Églises to pay tribute to France’s "Man of Destiny."
The juxtaposition of Chuikov’s peasant origins with the elite company he kept—sharing moments with figures like Prince Charles, French leaders, and representatives from nations around the globe—highlights the transformative power of resilience and leadership. In life and death, Charles de Gaulle's legacy united individuals from vastly different backgrounds, bridging divides to honor shared ideals of courage, independence, and the enduring influence of history's great leaders. This poignant moment underscored not only de Gaulle’s impact but also Chuikov’s remarkable ascent to prominence, where he literally "rubbed shoulders" with royalty and world leaders, a testament to the unifying power of respect and shared remembrance.