Memoirs of Sergeant Bourgogne by Adrien Bourgogne

Sergeant Adrien Bourgogne's Memoirs is a classic of military history and a poignant remembrance of one soldier's journey through World War I. Born in Montmartin, France in 1896, Bourgogne was drafted into the army in 1914 at the age of 18. Following his enlistment, he and his fellow comrades-in-arms experienced several adventures and misfortunes, facing the brutal realities of trench warfare and the horrors of combat. The effects of war would shape him forever, as he spent his remaining years striving to become a true soldier of France.

The memoir begins with Adrien's early years of training in the French Army during the summer of 1914. Despite his age and inexperience, Adrien quickly proves himself to be a leader amongst the new recruits. He and his close friend Devaux soon become two of the most respected soldiers in the training camp and Adrien is given the name "Sergeant Bourgogne".

Adrien's first real taste of war occurs late in 1914, when he and his regiment are sent to the western front. Here, for the first time, Adrien experiences the devastating effects of artillery fire, machine guns, and gas attacks firsthand. While there is bravely and camaraderie amongst his fellow soldiers, there is also terror and despair as they face the grisly reality of the war.

In late October of 1915, Adrien's unit is assigned to the Battle of Verdun. Here, Adrien proves himself to be a brave and resourceful leader, earning several military decorations as well as the respect of his peers. Though the battle is a grueling test of Adrien's courage and fortitude, it also changes the course of his life forever, as his friend Devaux is killed on the battlefield.

Over the following years, Adrien and his regiment are transferred to different areas of the Western Front and experience several other battles and sieges. In particular, Adrien showcases his bravery during the Battle of Soissons in the Spring of 1918, when his unit is pinned down in no-man's-land and must fight their way out. Through all this, Adrien bares witness to the carnage and destruction that war brings, and is forced to come to terms with the fact that he will never be the same again.

The memoir ends with Adrien's return to France following the armistice of 1918. Here, Adrien is faced with the hard truth that the war has changed him and his country forever, and that life can never truly go back to what it once was. Nevertheless, with the support of his family and comrades, Adrien is able to put his experiences behind him and work towards becoming a true soldier of France: one whose bravery and loyalty are a testament to the courage of those who fought and suffered during World War I.