Napoleon's Women Camp Followers

This book is the first 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. Although officially non-combatants, many of these women followed their regiments into battle, serving brandy to soldiers in the firing line, and braving enemy fire. This book is a timely piece of social history and a colorful new guide for modellers and re-enactors.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 18 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Based on extensive research from genuine primary sources, this groundbreaking work is the first to comprehensively explain and vividly illustrate the organization, activities, and personal stories of the remarkable female support staff who played a pivotal role in the day-to-day life of Napoleon's armies. The cantinières, who accompanied Napoleon's troops to war, hold an iconic status in the history of the Grande Armée. Sutler-women and laundresses, officially sanctioned members of the regiment, fulfilled a vital support role, providing essential sustenance and serving as the social centers of the regiment during a time when supply and pay services were haphazard. While officially non-combatants, many of these women bravely followed their regiments into battle, offering brandy to soldiers in the firing line and even facing enemy fire. This book not only serves as a valuable contribution to social history but also provides a captivating guide for modellers and re-enactors. Through meticulous research of unparalleled depth and accuracy, author Terry Crowdy challenges and dispels the inaccurate portrayals that have been perpetuated over the years, offering a fresh and fascinating perspective on these forgotten heroines.

Weight: 170g
Dimension: 184 x 247 x 5 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472841957