Interesting thread here.
The author said:
"Unlike other stories about other campaigns of the Second Empire , it appears in many testimonies that French soldiers have deserted to join the Juaristas . Sometimes they are found alongside with U.S. "mercenaries" , other times alone, or in groups, with or without military responsibilities. At the end of a fight some Zouaves embroach themselves with their bayonet . One of them was picked up dressed as woman after taken refuge in a closet.
Are there been more french desertions in this country than in another ? (That's the impression I have)
Why ?
Hardness of service in this country ? (Explanation valid and secular … )
Temptation to get a higher rank in the Juariste Army? ( I do not have a specific example of this but it is understood in some accounts that some deserters serve as officers in the enemy ranks)
Greed and / or desire to rebuild their identity by joining some guerrillas who loot when they fight ? ( Beyond the cliché of the Hollywood movie )
By ideal? ( Some fighters soldiers and officers questioned their participation and presence in Mexico, by anticlericalism of replubicanism?, there are also examples of French residents in Mexico who were pro – Juaristas )…
Oht.
About the comments I pick up these one as interesting.
"Desertion has always existed not only in the French army. Given the length of the Mexican campaign that lasted 5 years, the number of desertions has not reached significant numbers as indicated some authors who want to argue at all costs!
In any case far below the number of victims of war …
Concerning the foreign Regiment known for a very "sensitive" way to desert from their unit, it was recognized that the "disappearance" of many legionaries occurred during the campaign in the North of Mexico between 1865-1866 while the U.S. border was close! ! Therefore it have nothing to do with the Juarists …"
Oht
Full thread here.
link
For translation you can used.
translate.google.com/#fr/en
Hope you enjoy!.
Amicalement
Armand
