Dixmude: The epic of the French marines (October 17-November 10, 1914)

In the opening months of the Great War, a handful of French marines—seasoned sailors turned infantry—found themselves thrust from the decks of their ships into the bleak trenches of Belgium. Their story unfolds at Dixmude, where the Fusiliers Marins, bound by a tight‑knit sense of duty and a shared naval heritage, confront the harsh realities of modern combat. The narrative captures the stark contrast between their seafaring traditions and the grim, mud‑filled battlefields they now defend.

Written with a clear, fact‑based approach, the account relies on contemporary reports, personal letters and vivid maps that bring the action to life. Illustrations show the marines in their distinctive uniforms, reinforcing the unique spirit that kept them disciplined amid chaos. Listeners will gain a vivid glimpse of the courage, solidarity, and sacrifice that defined these men’s early wartime experience, all conveyed with the straightforward honesty of a contemporary observer.