Covered with mud and glory : a machine gun company in action ("Ma mitrailleuse")

This vivid memoir brings listeners into the mud‑splattered world of a French machine‑gun company during the heart of the First World War. Through the eyes of a seasoned sergeant‑major, the narrative captures the roar of the guns, the relentless rain, and the stark contrast between the brutality of the front and fleeting moments of quiet bravery. The prose paints the battlefield as a living tableau of shattered trees, soaked earth, and soldiers moving forward with a steadfast, almost lyrical resolve.

Beyond the combat details, the author honors the ordinary men—engineers, laborers, and infantry—who kept the lines moving, often under fire, by filling craters and hauling supplies. His reflections reveal a deep bond among comrades, a mix of humor, cigarette‑break solidarity, and an unspoken promise to each other amid the chaos. Listeners will feel the weight of the mud, the echo of commands like “He’s hit,” and the quiet dignity that defined these soldiers’ daily struggle.