History

With an Ambulance During the Franco-German War

Personal Experiences and Adventures with Both Armies, 1870-1871By Charles Edward Ryan

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In "With an Ambulance During the Franco-German War," Charles Edward Ryan offers a compelling first-hand account of his experiences as an ambulance driver amidst the tumult of the Franco-German War (1870-1871). Through vivid descriptions and poignant narratives, Ryan captures the chaos of battle, the struggles of wounded soldiers, and the harrowing yet heroic efforts of medical personnel on the front lines. The book's literary style combines elements of travel writing and war reportage, reflective of the Victorian era's fascination with adventure and humanitarianism, while also serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. Ryan, an American by birth, was motivated to document his experiences during this transformative period in European history, having been drawn to France's plight as well as the broader implications of nationalism and warfare. His background in the field of medicine informs his empathetic portrayal of the casualties, suggesting a profound respect for life even amidst death and destruction. Ryan's unique perspective as a foreigner offers readers an insightful commentary on the war that captured global attention and shaped international relations. "With an Ambulance During the Franco-German War" is essential reading for those interested in military history, humanitarian efforts, and personal narratives of conflict. Ryan's work transcends mere documentation; it is an emotional journey that resonates with contemporary issues of warfare, empathy, and the fragility of life. Dive into this poignant memoir and gain a deeper understanding of a crucial moment in history through the eyes of a compassionate observer.

Healing World War Journey Coming of Age Hero Memory New Adult Grief

Audiobook details

GenreHistory

Length8 hrs 50 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateSep 4, 2022

LanguageEnglish

1PREFACE.

2CHAPTER I. FROM DUBLIN TO PARIS VIA BRUSSELS.—THE WAR FEVER.—LEVIES TO THE FRONT.

3CHAPTER II. I JOIN THE ANGLO-AMERICAN AMBULANCE.—M. DE FLAVIGNY&#x27;S SPEECH.—TO MÉZIÈRES AND SEDAN.

4CHAPTER III. AT SEDAN.—THE EMPEROR IN TRANSIT.—OUR FIRST RETREAT BEFORE THE PRUSSIANS.—THE CASERNE D&#x27;ARSFELD.

5CHAPTER IV. THE FIRST OF SEPTEMBER, 1870.—EXPERIENCES AT THE CASERNE.—WOUNDED HORSES.—THE FRENCH RETREAT BECOMES A STAMPEDE.—SOLDIERS DESPAIR.

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6CHAPTER V. THE BURNING OF BAZEILLES.—WORTHLESS FRENCH OFFICERS.—A WALK ABOUT SEDAN.—IN THE VALLEY.

7CHAPTER VI. WORK IN THE HOSPITAL.—THE ISLE OF IGES.—MY ARAB HORSE.—PRISONERS SENT INTO GERMANY.

8CHAPTER VII. MORE WOUNDED.—SIGHTS AFTER THE BATTLE.—A COUNTRY RAMBLE.—HEAVY HOSPITAL TASKS.—L&#x27;EAU DE ZOUAVE.

9CHAPTER VIII. TWO THOUSAND PATIENTS.—NIGGER CHARLIE.—LOUIS ST. AUBIN, CHASSEUR D&#x27;AFRIQUE.—THE BOY PEYEN.—GUNS CAPTURED IN THE TOWN.

10CHAPTER IX. SUSPICIOUS PRUSSIANS.—THE ILLUSTRIOUS STROMEYER.—OPEN-AIR TREATMENT.—NEUTRALITY BECOMES DIFFICULT.—DR. SIMS LEAVES US.—UNDER ARREST.—FAREWELL TO SEDAN.

11CHAPTER X. RISKY TRAVELLING.—AT BRUSSELS.—FRENCH AMBULANCE BREAKS DOWN COMPLETELY.—WE START AGAIN FOR PARIS.

12CHAPTER XI. AT ROUEN.—ON THE ROAD TO PARIS.—IN THE WOODS AMONG THE FRANCS-TIREURS.—TAKEN FOR SPIES.—A REFUGEE FENIAN.—TO MANTES.

13CHAPTER XII. A TOWN CAPTURED BY FIVE UHLANS.—MANTES TO VERSAILLES.—WE ARE ANNEXED BY THE GERMANS.—GENERAL SHERIDAN AND NIGGER CHARLIE.—SOUTHERN EXILES.

14CHAPTER XIII. THE PRUSSIAN HEADQUARTERS IN VERSAILLES.—A POLISH LADY.—THE BURNING OF ST. CLOUD.—GERMAN PRINCES.—BY ÉTAMPES AND THE BATTLEFIELD OF CHEVILLY TO ORLEANS.

15CHAPTER XIV. ENTERING TO THE SOUND OF CANNON.—66 QUAI DU CHÂTELET ASSIGNED TO US, ALSO THE RAILWAY TERMINUS.—DESCRIPTION OF OUR NEW QUARTERS.

16CHAPTER XV. ASSISTANT SURGEON.—IMPRESSIONS OF THE GERMAN CHARACTER.—THE ARMY AND ITS DISCIPLINE.—STATE OF SIEGE.—VON DER TANN&#x27;S PROCLAMATION.—LEOPOLD SCHRENK.

17CHAPTER XVI. CASES AND PATIENTS.—MARTIN DILGER.—HEAVY LOSSES.—FRENCH IRRELIGION CONTRASTED WITH GERMAN PIETY.

18CHAPTER XVII. FALL OF METZ ANNOUNCED.—THE BAVARIANS EVACUATE ORLEANS.—OUR DIFFICULT POSITION.—WE ARE TOLD OFF TO THE BATTLEFIELD.—THE ENGAGEMENT AND VICTORY OF THE FRENCH.

19CHAPTER XVIII. AFTER THE BATTLE.—ORLEANS FROM WITHOUT AND WITHIN.—THE MOB AND THE AMBULANCE.—THE BAVARIAN GIANT.

20CHAPTER XIX. OUR AMBULANCE RETURNS.—ENTRY OF THE FRENCH.—THEIR DISHEVELLED APPEARANCE AND DISARRAY.—WE ARE SENT OUT OF THE RAILWAY STATION.

21CHAPTER XX. AMERICAN FRANCS-TIREURS.—PONTOON BRIDGE OVER THE LOIRE.—FRENCH CARELESSNESS.—SOLITARY DEATHS OF THE WOUNDED.

22CHAPTER XXI. TO THE FRONT.—TURCO AND ZOUAVE ENCAMPMENTS.—SKIRMISHING.—FALSE NEWS.—THE SHAM FIGHT AT NEUVILLE.—RETURN TO THE CITY.

23CHAPTER XXII. BATTLE OF PATAY.—THE FRENCH RETREAT.—KNIGHTS TEMPLARS.—THE BATTLE CONTINUED.—ATTACK ON ORLEANS BY THE GERMANS.—BURNING OF THE PONTOON BRIDGE.

24CHAPTER XXIII. FIGHTING IN THE STREETS.—THE TOWN CARRIED BY ASSAULT.—NARROW ESCAPES.—THE RED PRINCE ENTERS WITH HIS WHOLE ARMY.

25CHAPTER XXIV. DESECRATION OF THE CATHEDRAL.—MY FIRST CAPITAL OPERATION.—MORE FIGHTING.—WOUNDED BAVARIANS.

26CHAPTER XXV. CHRISTMAS DAY AT STE. EUVERTE.—GOING THE ROUNDS.—YOUNG HEROES.—ARRIVALS DURING THE NIGHT.—A GLIMPSE OF THE DEAD-HOUSE.

27CHAPTER XXVI. VISITORS.—NEW YEAR IN HOSPITAL.—THE CHURCH EVACUATED.—I GET FURLOUGH,—AND CATCH A NIGHT-GLIMPSE OF PARIS.

28CHAPTER XXVII. TRAVELLING IN FROST.—AMMUNITION TRAIN IN DIFFICULTIES.—FERRIÈRES.—THE CAMP OF CHÂLONS.—HOW GERMAN OFFICERS TREAT JEWS.

29CHAPTER XXVIII. STRASBURG AFTER THE SIEGE.—ALONG THE RHINE.—HOME, AND BACK AGAIN TO VERSAILLES.—CAPTAIN BRACKENBURY.—I LOSE MY PAPERS AND HAVE TO GET FRESH ONES.

30CHAPTER XXIX. IN ORLEANS ONCE MORE.—PEACE IS SIGNED.—AN EASY TIME.—SENDING AWAY THE CONVALESCENTS.—THE AMBULANCE BROKEN UP.

31CHAPTER XXX. I FALL ILL OF FEVER.—GERMANS LEAVE ORLEANS.—MY BROTHER ARRIVES FROM HOME.—END OF MY EXPERIENCES AS A FIELD SURGEON.

32CHAPTER XXXI. AN APPENDIX.—M. AND MADAME COLOMBIER.—VISIT TO THE BATTLEFIELD OF COULMIERS.—THE SOLE FRENCH VICTORY.—CONCLUSION.

33EPILOGUE.