And frankly it might upset feminist ideas that woman had nothing to do with the battlefield, and it was all nasty violent men pushing things. The truth seems to be far more complex.
https://www.messynessychic.com/2017/08/ ... ttlefield/
The Women Warriors who served Wine on the Battlefield
By Kari Elgin
August 17, 2017
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Forgotten feminist icons of the French military, the Vivandières, alternatively known as cantinières, was the French title for women attached to military units who sold wine to the troops and offered better cuisine on the battlefield than the army could offer. An often overlooked part of women’s and military history, while they were not sanctioned to do any fighting, there are countless reports of many women who did. They began as supporters, originally tasked with providing home comforts to those in the field or at camp and quickly rose to become a fundamental part of the army.
The Vivandières tradition is believed to have began in French Army regiments during the early 18th century. Most Vivandières were married or related to soldiers in their regiment, despite popular belief that they were prostitutes or nothing more than “camp followers.”
History has long records of soldiers’ wives traveling with armies and before the 18th century, armies were often reported to have more women and children than soldiers in their camps.
The French army was the first to give the accompanying women a clear category and role during the French Revolution, up until which point, the right to sell wine, food, tobacco, writing paper, wig powder or any type of amenities to the troops belonged to a special group of eight privilidged male soldiers, effectively creating a monopoly for them.
It was a good business too, as the troops were rarely provided with food, drink or other items beyond basic rations. The vivandières kept soldiers from straying from camp in search of these extras, lowering the possibility of desertion.
Often too busy however with their military duties, the male vivandiers were granted permission to marry and pass on their private enterprise to their wives, who became ‘vivandières’…
Not much research or historical documentation exists on the vivandières, but various artistic depictions and the work of amateur historians allows us a glimpse of these fascinating female soldiers. While their role has been understated, their military dress, however, would suggest otherwise.
The bold, feminized versions of military uniform highlighted their importance among the ranks, and the similar level of distinction afforded to them in the line of duty. They were said to have led the regiment on parade and while marching, suggesting they were valued, esteemed members of their military units.
