STORIES
I present to you a unique project in which we write stories of individual soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars. Each of them tells their own story that will take you through their fates and the campaigns experienced by the soldiers of the 18th Line Infantry Regiment.
Thomas Dufeu, a soldier whose life took an unexpected turn, was born in 1775. After enduring heartbreak in 1795, he decided to join the military. With determination and perseverance, Thomas rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the position of a sous-lieutenant. His dedication and skills on the battlefield earned him respect among his comrades.
In 1812, Thomas found himself amidst the infamous French invasion of Russia. Unfortunately, during the campaign, he mysteriously disappeared without a trace. The exact circumstances surrounding his vanishing remain shrouded in uncertainty, leaving behind unanswered questions and speculation.
Michel Sannom, born in 1781 in Nesselsdorf, Moravia, grew up in a town renowned for its carriage manufacturing and thriving industrial development in Europe. His father, a steel merchant, conducted business in neighboring towns, where he crossed paths with Ewa, Michel's Polish-native mother from a farming family. Michel, named after his French uncle, attended public school and displayed a talent for drawing, which led him to also attend an art school for youth. Fascinated by history, he found inspiration in famous paintings depicting prehistoric animals and early humans. Additionally, he immersed himself in books on battles, renowned scientists, and anatomy. He was fascinated with heroism and the way of military. Michel enjoyed exploring the streets, woods, fields, and the small lake in his hometown. Although he made efforts to befriend others during his childhood, he remained largely private, spending most of his time engrossed in his drawings and constructing small machines, sculptures, and structures.
Embark on Michel's captivating journey into the Napoleonic Wars, where we'll witness the life of a soldier through his diary's intricate drawings. These sketches offer a unique glimpse into battlefields, adventures, and daily routines. They provide windows to the past, showcasing battles, strategies, and portraits of fellow soldiers.
Jean was born in 1782 in a small village in the mountainous region of eastern France. From a young age, he worked hard in the fields to support his family. Recognized for his intelligence and technical aptitude, he left home at 14 to study engineering in Paris. After the French Revolution, he joined the army under Napoleon's leadership. Jean survived numerous battles and the devastating campaign in Russia in 1812. Disillusioned, he left the army at 30 and immigrated to the United States. There, he joined the 9th New York regiment militia, started a family, and served as a sergeant and officer. Jean died in 1844, leaving behind a legacy shaped by his experiences as a soldier and his pursuit of a new life.
And there are many others...
Balzac Tortuel
Jean Morel
Gabriel Dubois
Ventre Spirrel Onfie
Matthias Mousse