War Turns French Cadets' Fete into Grim Service: For many years the famous French military academy of St. Cyr, the West point of France, has held a gay and colorful yearly fete, known as "Le Triompne de St. Cyr". On this occasion the class of freshmen cadets is solemnly "baptized," receiving the name by which their class will be known. This year there was no rejoicing, no colorful pageant, but a grim parade in wartime uniforms. The cadet class received their name, "Amitie Franco-Britannique ("Franco-British Friendship"). / The cadets are reviewed by the British Military Attache (right), the commander of the academy (center), and the young sub-lieutenant (left), an old St. Cyrian, who performed the batpizing ceremony.

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War Turns French Cadets' Fete into Grim Service: For many years the famous French military academy of St. Cyr, the West point of France, has held a gay and colorful yearly fete, known as "Le Triompne de St. Cyr". On this occasion the class of freshmen cadets is solemnly "baptized," receiving the name by which their class will be known. This year there was no rejoicing, no colorful pageant, but a grim parade in wartime uniforms. The cadet class received their name, "Amitie Franco-Britannique ("Franco-British Friendship"). / The cadets are reviewed by the British Military Attache (right), the commander of the academy (center), and the young sub-lieutenant (left), an old St. Cyrian, who performed the batpizing ceremony.
War Turns French Cadets' Fete into Grim Service: For many years the famous French military academy of St. Cyr, the West point of France, has held a gay and colorful yearly fete, known as "Le Triompne de St. Cyr". On this occasion the class of freshmen cadets is solemnly "baptized," receiving the name by which their class will be known. This year there was no rejoicing, no colorful pageant, but a grim parade in wartime uniforms. The cadet class received their name, "Amitie Franco-Britannique ("Franco-British Friendship"). / The cadets are reviewed by the British Military Attache (right), the commander of the academy (center), and the young sub-lieutenant (left), an old St. Cyrian, who performed the batpizing ceremony.
Date1939
MediumVintage ferrotyped gelatin silver print
DimensionsSheet: 6 3/16 × 5 3/4 in. (15.7 × 14.6 cm) Image: 6 3/16 × 5 3/4 in. (15.7 × 14.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of Thomas J. Wilson and Jill M. Garling, P2016
Object number2025.30.227
Not on view

Additional Details

Markings Verso, top middle (taped typewritten paper, partially torn): "SCHA/1022 AB/ WAR TURNS FRENCH CADETS' FETE INTO... For many years the famous French military acasemy... the West point of France, has held a gay and colo... fete, known as 'Le Triomphe de St Cyr' ('The Triu... On this occasion the class of freshmen cadets is...le...'baptized,' receiving the name by which their cl...wi known. This year there was no rejoicing, no colourful but a grim parade in wartime uniforms. The cadet class the name, 'Amitie Franco-Britannique' ( 'France-British Friendship' )."
Verso, middle (adhesive typewritten paper): "5. The cadets are reviewed by the British Military Attache ( right ), the commander of the academy ( centre ), and the young sub-lieutenant ( left ), an old St. Cyrian, who performed the baptizing ceremony."
Verso, lower middle (purple ink stamp): "PHOTO BY: PIX PUBLISHING INC, 250 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK CITY TEL. ELDORADO 5-4021 / PLEASE CREDIT PHOTO SCHALL-PIX / THIS PICTURE IS SOLD TO YOU FOR YOUR PUBLICATION ONLY AND MUST NOT BE LOANED, SYNDICATED OR USED FOR AD-VERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM US."
Verso, lower left (green ink stamp): "Westport Public Library Westport, Conn."
Inscribed Verso, upper middle (red pencil): "5", circled
Verso, upper right (pencil): "1022 AB / 74"
Verso, upper middle to middle (black ink pen, almost fully covered): "...assistant au triomphe, oliu de Frout oui il...passent la Bataillon des St Aguieus."
Verso, middle left (pencil): "RS-370 2200"
Verso, lower right (pencil): "WWII-FRANCE"
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