Paul Joalland

Paul-Jules Joalland (8 November 1870 – 27 September 1940) was a French officer, known mainly for completing the Voulet–Chanoine Mission.

The Voulet-Chanoine Mission was commanded by the captains Paul Voulet and Julien Chanoine, entrusted in 1898 by the government with the mission to explore and conquer the territories between the Niger River and Lake Chad, with the ultimate goal to unify, Jointly with other two similar expeditions, all French territories in West Africa.

On 21 April 1900 Joalland and Lamy encountered the Gentil Mission, that had been proceeding from the Congo River.

Before the end of the year, Joalland returned with his men back home, after having successfully completed the mission.

In 1927 Joalland was given the honorary title of commander of the Légion d'honneur, the premier distinction in France.