 Ruffey, like Lanrezac (and Gallieni before World War I) warned of the danger of a German thrust westward through Belgium.French Commander-in-Chief Joseph Joffre, who planned to attack into the Ardennes, bluntly told him “you are wrong”.Ruffey was given command of the Third Army at the outbreak of war and charged with attacking along the line from Montmedy to Rocroi.