'Defense de Fumer': How a company of French reservists changed the course of the War by Steve Marsdin

Starting with an introduction in to how the French army was organised at the outbreak of war, particularly with regards to its use of reserves, this talk by Steve Marsdin will highlight one particular action in August 1914 that runs contrary to our normal perceptions of the relative performance of the French and German armies in those early encounters.

The talk will also include references to  a couple of card games, strange customs and Kelly’s Heroes!!!