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.

(Detail) Le Maréchal Murat et son état-major by Pierre Bénigni. https://www.bertrand-malvaux.com/

“Napoleon said of him, ‘if an army were to build a monument to just one man, it would be Larrey. All the wounded are his family.’” By John Danielski DOCTORS MAKING house calls is sadly...

From hogs to hardtacks to MRE's, fuel for fighting troops has evolved over time but remains as critical as an army's ammunition.