Even after a century, they remain the largely forgotten fighters of Gallipoli.
Almost 15,000 French soldiers died in Turkey, nearly double the number of Australians killed.
General Georges Masnou died commanding the French First Division in 1915.
His granddaughter Françoise Lis says it was a huge blow for the family.
"It was so terrible because he was so mortally wounded but it is also the story of the family," she says.
A Legion of Honour medal was pinned on his uniform as he was carried from battle.
Jean-Claude Lis says there is a renewed determination this centenary to share the horrors of Gallipoli and ensure those who fell where they fought are properly remembered.
"It is important for the French people to consider they are linked with the Australian people by the same memory in 1915," he says.
Their daughter and Australian husband live in Sydney and named their son George in honour of his great-great grandfather.
George says he is happy to carry on his memory.
"It just made me feel like people still remember him now, how they can still see him and remember what he did."
