aixcentric

When I was writing my book and researching the chapter on the effect of World War 1 on Aix, it seemed that there was some sort of controversy surrounding the troops from Provence but I couldn’t find details. ‘La Faute au Midi’, a new book and exhibition, tells all and it is truly an appalling story.

On 1st August 1914, just after 3 in the afternoon, the orders for mobilisation were given – bells rang, gendarmes went to villages on their bikes and posters were plastered on to walls. Young men throughout Provence rushed to get in the harvest before going to enlist and the two companies of professional soldiers based in Aix were soon heading north. The mood was sombre but confident, soldiers expecting to be in Berlin within two months.

But the 15th battalion made up of men from across Provence, Nice and Corsica, was sent into the Battle of Lorraine, with bayonets. They hardly even saw a German soldier as they were cut down by a barrage of machine gun fire and shells. From 20-22nd August, both the Provencaux and the 20th battalion of men from Lorraine had no option but to retreat.

In Paris, the Minister for War wanted an explanation. Général Joffre explained that his plan had been ‘superbement entamé’ and its failure was purely due to the cowardice of the southern troops. The minister had a senator write an article condemning the men of Provence in Le Matin, which was read on 24th August by nearly 2 million people across France. There was fury in Provence but the damage was done.

Auguste Odde from Six-Fours, wrongly executed for cowardice

It was to be even more damaging for Auguste Odde from Six-Fours and Joseph Tomasini, a young Corsican. Both had been wounded in the arms and were charged with self-mutilation. They were court-martialled on 18th September on the evidence of one doctor and, with no testimony to their bravery allowed from their commanders or colleagues, were shot the following day.

Both men were exonerated after the war when the testimony of their comrades was finally heard and officers were sent south, on behalf of the Republic, with military medals. In Corsica the whole village turned out to honour their soldier but in Six-Fours, Auguste’s mother refused to open her door to the representatives of the military who had killed her son.

The book La Faute au Midi is a bande dessinée by historian Jean-Yves Le Naour and illustrator A. Dan.  It is being launched during the ‘Festival de la BD d’Aix’.  The exhibition combines these drawings with many exhibits from the period: local mobilisation posters, uniforms, postcards from the troops, diaries and so on.  It is fascinating and very very sad.

At the Archives Départementales, 25 allée de Philadelphie, Aix (across the main road behind the Grand Théatre de Provence).  Mon-Sat 9:00-18:00hrs but closed Tuesday mornings.  Until 5th July.  A detailed booklet is given to visitors of the exhibition and there are also lots of talks and round-table events during April-June.  www.archives13.fr.