Life in the Legion, From a Soldier's: Point of View

by Frederic Martyn

Inside the French Foreign Legion, told from the perspective of a seasoned soldier and former British officer.

This memoir offers a candid, firsthand look at life in a legendary fighting unit, from recruitment to the front lines and the long arc of service.

The author reflects on what it means to belong to a force built from many nationalities, charting how discipline, camaraderie, and danger shape every day. It blends personal experience with a clear history of the Legion’s origins, structure, and enduring myths, grounded in on‑the‑ground realities rather than rumor. Personal stories from the field, detailing life, duty, and adversity in the Legion. Explanations of how the Legion was formed, how it is organized, and how recruits are managed. Insights into the characters and motives of men who join, stay, or desert. Context for the Legion’s role in wars and colonial campaigns, past to present. Ideal for readers seeking a grounded, veteran’s view of the French Foreign Legion and its enduring place in military history.

291 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2008