Full Description
Researched from genuine primary sources, this is the first book to explain and illustrate the organization, activities and personal stories of the female 'support staff' who played a major role in the day-to-day life of Napoleon's armies.
The cantinières who accompanied Napoleon's armies to war have an iconic status in the history of the Grande Armée. Sutler-women and laundresses were officially sanctioned members of the regiment performing a vital support role. In a period when the supply and pay services were haphazard, their canteen wagons and tents were a vital source of sustenance and served as the social hubs of the regiment. Although officially non-combatants, many of these women followed their regiments into battle, serving brandy to soldiers in the firing line, braving enemy fire.
This book is a timely piece of social history, as well as a colourful new guide for modellers and re-enactors. Through meticulous research of unprecedented depth and accuracy, Terry Crowdy dispels the inaccurate portrayals that Napoleon's Women Camp Followers have suffered over the years to offer a fascinating look at these forgotten heroines.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
Definitions, and popular status
WOMEN AND THE ARMIES
Military marriages
Soldier-sutlers
Chaos in spring 1793
Bonaparte's early campaigns: officers' indiscipline
Prostitution
The Civil Code, 1804
ORGANIZATION
Decree of 30 April 1793 - identification, and numbers
Decree of 26 July 1800
Army of Germany, 1809
Grande Armée, 1812
THE ROLE OF VIVANDIÈRES & CANTINIÈRES
Goods and services
Sutlers' tents
Discipline
Civilian canteens
BLANCHISSEUSES
In barracks and camp
On campaign
COSTUME
The early 1790s
From Revolution to Directory and Empire
Revolutionary cockades
THE REGIMENTAL CHILDREN
The ancien régime
Law of 26 July 1800
THE LEGEND OF MARIE TÊTE-DU-BOIS
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
PLATE COMMENTARIES
INDEX
