Of course the french would do this! I mean after all these centuries they are very accustomed to turning their arses to the enemy. Usually however it is in retreat. I think the guy's dismayed look comes from the fact that he sees some guy with a camera about to take a pic of him. I'm sure in his mind he's thinking "Oh I hope a bunch immature armchair generals don't see this."
But like Skybird said. It makes sense. In war you do what works, not what doesn't challenge your neurotic macho sensitivities.
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