CHASSEURS ALPINS LA SAGA DES DIABLES BLEUS - TOME 1 DE 1878-1914 par David THILL et Laurent DEMOUZON

ALPINE HUNTERS THE SAGA OF THE BLUE DEVILS - VOLUME 1 FROM 1878-1914 by David THILL and Laurent DEMOUZON

Overview of the history of these elite units, their symbolism, uniforms, and equipment.

This book, part of a 4-volume collection, is dedicated to the grand history of the Alpine hunters, from 1878 to the present day. It synthesizes their history, symbolism, uniforms, and equipment through a multitude of richly illustrated chapters with photos, often unpublished, rare uniform pieces, flags, and insignias from the authors' collection and major private collections.
This volume 1 covers the period from 1879 to December 1914.
Dimensions: 31 x 23 cm
304 pages
Hardcover
700 vintage photos, documents, uniform pieces, flags, and objects
26 close-ups
14 maps

The Alpine hunters are part of our history, our landscapes, our mountains, our traditions. Everyone living in a mountainous region has had an ancestor who served in this troop.
Symbolized by their beret, commonly known as "la tarte," they have a rich and diverse history.
Their creation, gradual adaptation to mountain environments, formalized in 1888. Their specific equipment for mountain life. Their recruitment, training, and spirit make them a unique troop. They will conquer and develop the mountains. They will open up isolated territories. They will introduce skiing.
Their first trial by fire occurs far from the Alps in Madagascar and especially starting in 1912 in Morocco.
In August 19014, they will be engaged in Alsace, Vosges, Lorraine, Marne, Somme, Belgium. Paying a heavy price for their commitment and courage.

This book retraces the period from the first forays into the mountains in 1878 to the engagement in December 1914 in the Vosges.

SUMMARY excerpted

First part: THE CREATION
Chapter 1: 1878 - The first alpine marches and maneuvers
Chapter 2: The 1888 law and the first battalions
Chapter 3: Composition of the Alpine Infantry Battalions

Second part: THE UNIFORMS OF THE ALPINE HUNTERS
Chapter 1: The attire of the first foot hunters operating in the mountains
Chapter 2: The attire of the troops and non-commissioned officers
Chapter 3: The attire of the officers

Third part: MOUNTAINEERING - THE CONQUEST OF THE MOUNTAIN
Chapter 1: The alpine group
Chapter 2: Life in the mountains
Chapter 3: The construction hunters
Chapter 4: The alpine hunters and skiing

Fourth part: FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Chapter 1: Madagascar
Chapter 2: Morocco

Fifth part: MOBILIZATION AND THE 1914 CAMPAIGN
Chapter 1: The Alpine hunters at mobilization
Chapter 2: The 1914 campaign