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French Soldiers and English Sailors Fraternising at Calais, 1854. Creator: Unknown
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French Soldiers and English Sailors Fraternising at Calais, 1854. Creator: Unknown
French Soldiers and English Sailors Fraternising at Calais, 1854. Allied personnel in France before leaving to fight in the Crimean War....the soldiers crowded the cafes with which Calais abounds; but they had not sole occupation of the public-houses, for here and there were groups of English sailors, "liberty men" from the fleet riding grandly in Calais roads. Great was the good-humour on all sides, and intense the cordiality amongst sailors and soldiers. They could not understand each other in words, tis true; but the Freemasonry of the bottle made them excellent friends for all that...a young gentleman of our party, seeing that the sailors were puzzled to make out the Emperor's speech, read it aloud in English. A French soldier rose, and, lifting a brimming glass aloft, shouted "Victoria!" The English sailors answered with cries of "Vive l'Empereur!" and a general fraternisation was the result'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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Media ID 36229595
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a moment of unity and camaraderie between French soldiers and English sailors in the coastal town of Calais, France, in 1854. The scene unfolds as the Allied personnel gathered before embarking for the Crimean War. The soldiers, with their distinctive uniforms and weapons, mingled with English sailors, clad in naval attire and adorned with gold braid and ribbons. The soldiers crowded the cafes, a testament to Calais' abundance, but they were not the only patrons. English sailors, known as "liberty men," from the fleet anchored in the Calais roads, joined in the festivities. The atmosphere was filled with good-humor and cordiality, transcending language barriers. A young gentleman from the observer's party noticed the sailors' confusion as they struggled to comprehend the Emperor's speech. In an act of solidarity, he read the speech aloud in English. In response, a French soldier stood up, raised a brimming glass, and shouted "Victoria!" The English sailors answered with cries of "Vive l'Empereur!" and a general fraternization ensued. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the shared experiences and camaraderie that developed between soldiers and sailors from different nations during times of war. The Freemasonry of the bottle played a crucial role in fostering friendships, bridging language gaps, and creating a sense of unity amidst the chaos of war. This image, taken from the pages of the Illustrated London News in 1854, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of brotherhood and unity in the face of adversity.
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