LA VIE DES SOLDATS

Throughout the war, and especially in 1916, during the battle of Verdun, Bar-le-Duc was full of soldiers. Troops passed through it, going to the front line or returning from the front to go on leave or to another combat sector. Hundreds of soldiers also stay there to run the services that manage the flow of men, equipment and supplies between the rear and the front. All of them bring life to the city. They liked to meet, depending on the case, at the Foyer du soldat or the Cercle des officiers. They also enjoyed entertainment, frequenting bistros, balls and houses "where fun was had". The most original place of entertainment was certainly the Café des Oiseaux, with its billiard table, its amazing collection of birds (in the background of the photo) and its theatre, which sometimes hosted the Théâtre aux Armées. These soldiers also took part, alongside civilians, in parties organised for the benefit of the wounded and prisoners with the participation of music-hall stars. This was the case, for example, with the "Journée du Poilu" in December 1915. Clearly, for those returning from the hell of the battle and those who were about to return, a stay in Bar-le-Duc was a much appreciated break.