Maurice Hewson

Hewson's Escape from the French is a well-written primary account of a naval officer's capture at Brest and his imprisonment and escape from both Verdun and Bitche, the Colditz of the Napoleonic period. The informative introduction by Antony Brett-James includes background information about Hewson and imprisonment during the Napoleonic period. This handsome book is richly illustrated with sharp, full page b/w prints of the period. Brett-Jones gives further information in detailed footnotes.

An imprisoned British officer missed promotion and often pay and therefore tried to return to service if he was able and hadn't given his parole. We've all read about or seen films [news footage!] of daring escapes in the 20th century but how did one escape in the 19th century? Officers generally had a better chance inasmuch as they tended to be housed more comfortably, with windows, and were in better health. Others were thrown into damp, vermin infested dungeons and fed only bread.

Naval officers were imprisoned at Verdun. If one survived the journey there, imprisonment could be relatively comfortable - until 1808 when conditions worsened drastically for British prisoners. Hewson felt the French had broken their parole and no longer felt compelled to honour his.

French citizens were required to inspect the passport of any unknown passerby. Yet many Frenchmen showed great kindness and generosity to British escapees, especially if they had a relative imprisoned in Britain. How did they communicate? French lessons were provided at Verdun. The narrative reads like a modern page-turner and answers questions I had about provisions, medical care and obtaining money in and out of a French prison during the Napoleonic era.

by Sarah Strother.… (más)