Friends of France : The Field Service of the American Ambulance described by its members

A vivid tapestry of memories, this collection lets listeners step into the daily rhythm of the American Ambulance Field Service during the early years of the Great War. Through letters, diary entries and short sketches, volunteers describe the first journey from American ports to the French front, the cramped motor‑ambulances, and the rush of moving wounded men away from the trenches of Dunkirk, Ypres and the Somme. Their words capture the stark contrast between the quiet moments in makeshift hospitals and the sudden roar of artillery that turned every road into a perilous corridor.

Interwoven with the personal narratives are striking illustrations that bring the landscape of war‑scarred villages, snow‑covered Alsace woods and bustling Parisian headquarters to life. Listeners also hear reflections on camaraderie among the drivers, the improvisations needed to keep the ambulances running, and the awe inspired by the French soldiers they aided. The account offers an intimate glimpse of bravery, hardship, and the human connections forged amid the chaos of the first act of the conflict.