Mildred on the Marne: Mildred Aldrich, Front-line Witness 1914-1918

by David Slattery-Christy

Overview

In 1914 an American journalist retired to a small house in France—only to find herself in the middle of World War I, and eventually having an impact on the U.S.'s actions in the war

This is the story of 59-year-old Mildred Aldrich and her experiences of the First World War. She retired to a small hilltop house called La Creste in 1914, with views across the Marne River and Valley, little realising that she would become embroiled in the first major battle of the war. In spite of the danger, she decided to stay and help the British and French soldiers. Her home was threatened by the German advance, with Uhlans hiding in adjacent woods; indeed, the Germans marched right up to her house. However, the British and French pushed the Germans into retreat and La Creste remained in safe territory for the duration. The Allies fought the first major battle of the First World War in the Marne Valley and Mildred's 'beloved panorama' turned into the valley of horror and death. Informed by journalist Mildred's unpublished journals and voices of those serving in the BEF, and French and German forces, along with historical military background, Slattery-Christy examines events from the unique perspective of a remarkable woman who lived through them all.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780752497686
Publisher:	History Press Limited, The
Publication date:	05/01/2014
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

David Slattery-Christy is an award-winning playwright and director. His play Forever Nineteen was based on Mildred Aldrich and The Post Card is a true Titanic story. He worked as a consultant on the Oscar-winning film Gosford Park.

Table of Contents

Introduction 7

Acknowledgements 9

1 Drum Beats and Destiny 11

2 Yankee, Abolitionist and Patriot 27

3 La Creste: Renovation of a Ruin 37

4 First Days on the Hilltop 51

5 Assassination and German Invasion 65

6 Mobilisation and Preparations 81

7 The French Miracle 95

8 Paris is Saved! 117

9 Witness to Destruction on the Edge of the War Zone 135

10 The Long Road to 1918 147

11 The End Game 179

12 Aftermath and Légion d'Honneur 197

Appendix 1 Mini Biographies 209

Appendix 2 Forever Nineteen: Cast Details and Reviews 218

Further Reading and Sources 220

Index 222