The Children of France: A Book of Stories of the Heroism and Self-sacrifice of Youthful Patriots of France During the Great WarRoyce, Ruth
History
The Children of France: A Book of Stories of the Heroism and Self-sacrifice of Youthful Patriots of France During the Great War
Royce, Ruth
World War, 1914-1918 -- Juvenile literature
Prodded by the handy clubs, such of the Germans as had survived the
terrible beating willingly clambered over the top and were quietly
driven across 'No Man's Land' to the French trenches. Seventy-five
prisoners were taken in that raid, planned and executed by the
fearless little French boy.
[Illustration: "NOW MARCH!" HE COMMANDED.]
"The amazement of his comrades in Company C was beyond the power of
words to express. What was better still, the raid was productive of
much more than prisoners and rifles. It proved to be the most
important raid so far made on that sector, for information was
obtained from the prisoners that proved of great value to the French
army.
"A few days later the Territorials went back to their billets for
rest. On the morning following their arrival there, Company C was
called out with many other troops for review. Remi thought this was a
queer thing to do. He was puzzled and startled when his name was
called out as he stood in a rear rank. He was ordered to report to the
colonel of the regiment, who stood with his aides facing the lines of
soldiers, the latter at attention now. The heart of the little
soldier, for once, was filled with fear. He felt certain that the
colonel was going to send him home.
"Approaching the stern-looking officer, Remi halted, came stiffly to
attention and saluted with precision. The colonel gravely answered the
little fellow's salute. Remi looked very small and childish beside the
commanding figure of his colonel, and he was very much embarrassed at
being so singled out.
"'Remi, soldier of France, the Army and your country salute you,'
began the colonel. 'The hearts of both are filled with pride at your
brave deeds. You are an honor to the tri-color of our beloved France,
under the folds of which you now are standing. Were it possible for me
to do so I should make you no less than a captain. Your lack of years
puts such a reward beyond my power to give. I can, however, and I am
authorized so to do, to confer upon you the cross of war, given only
to men of proved heroism. Remi, I decorate you with this cross,' said
the colonel, stepping forward and pinning the medal to the little
soldier's breast, his aides standing at attention during the
impressive ceremony. 'Wear it with honor, my son, for our beloved
country.'
"The colonel then kissed the child on both cheeks.
"And Remi the bold, very pale and trembling, stammered his thanks, sat
down heavily, and, burying his face in his hands, burst into tears."
CHAPTER III
THE HEROINE OF FORT MONTERE
"I've been thinking about that boy Remi," said Joe Funk next day when
the children had gathered on the lawn to listen to another story. "Of
course, I know he was a hero, but wasn't he something of a baby to sit
down and cry like that?"
"Are you a baby, Joe?"
"'Course I'm not."
"Very good. You were wiping a tear out of the corner of one eye when I
finished the story," returned Captain Favor dryly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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