Tomorrow to Be Brave

Susan Travers led one of the most extraordinary lives of the twentieth century, and her memoir "Tomorrow to be Brave" offers a compelling firsthand account of her remarkable journey from privileged British society to becoming the only woman ever to serve in the French Foreign Legion. Published in 2000, this autobiography chronicles a life that defied every convention of her era and provides readers with an intimate portrait of courage, determination, and the pursuit of purpose in the midst of global upheaval.

Born into an upper-class British family in 1909, Travers enjoyed a comfortable childhood that offered little indication of the adventurous path she would eventually choose. Her early years were marked by the typical experiences of her social class, including education at convent schools and the expectation of a conventional marriage. However, the restlessness that would define her character became apparent early on, as she chafed against the restrictions placed upon women of her background and sought something more meaningful than the life of leisure that awaited her.

The outbreak of World War II provided Travers with the opportunity to break free from societal expectations. She volunteered as an ambulance driver and nurse with the French Red Cross, a decision that would forever alter the trajectory of her life. This role brought her into contact with the Free French Forces and, crucially, with General Marie-Pierre Koenig, who would become both her commanding officer and romantic partner. The book details her service during this period with vivid recollections of the chaos, danger, and uncertainty that characterized the early years of the war.

The centerpiece of the memoir is undoubtedly Travers's account of the Siege of Bir Hakeim in 1942, a pivotal moment in the North African campaign. As Koenig's driver, she found herself at the heart of a brutal fifteen-day battle in which a vastly outnumbered Free French brigade held off German and Italian forces in the Libyan desert. Travers describes the relentless bombardment, the dwindling supplies, and the mounting casualties with striking clarity. Her narrative of the desperate breakout from the encircled position, during which she drove Koenig through enemy lines in darkness under heavy fire, stands as one of the most gripping sequences in the book. This action earned her the Croix de Guerre and cemented her reputation for exceptional bravery.

Following the war, Travers officially enlisted in the French Foreign Legion, making history as the first and only woman to join this legendary military institution. The book explores this unique period of her life, though with somewhat less detail than the wartime chapters. Her service continued in Indochina during the First Indochina War, where she again demonstrated the resilience and adaptability that had carried her through the desert campaigns of North Africa. The memoir touches upon the challenges of this conflict and the personal toll it exacted on those who fought in the jungles of Southeast Asia.

Travers writes with remarkable honesty about her relationship with Koenig, acknowledging both the passion that drew them together and the difficulties inherent in their situation. She does not romanticize their affair or gloss over the complications that arose from their differing circumstances and expectations. The eventual dissolution of their relationship and her subsequent marriage to another legionnaire are handled with dignity and reflection, offering insight into the personal sacrifices that accompanied her unconventional choices.

The prose style is straightforward and unpretentious, befitting a woman who spent her life in action rather than contemplation. Travers does not attempt literary flourishes or philosophical digressions; instead, she presents her experiences with the directness of a soldier recounting events. This approach lends authenticity to the narrative, though some readers may find certain sections less polished than contemporary memoirs. The book benefits from this plainspoken quality, as it allows the extraordinary nature of the events to speak for themselves without embellishment.

One of the memoir's strengths lies in its depiction of a woman who refused to be constrained by gender expectations in an era when such defiance came at significant personal cost. Travers faced skepticism, prejudice, and isolation throughout her military career, yet she persevered through sheer force of will and competence. The book serves as both a historical document and an inspiration, demonstrating what one determined individual could achieve despite overwhelming societal opposition.

"Tomorrow to be Brave" stands as an important contribution to the literature of World War II and a fascinating portrait of an exceptional life. Travers's story deserves to be more widely known, and this memoir ensures that her contributions to history are preserved for future generations. The book offers valuable insights into the Free French Forces, the North African campaign, and the experience of women in combat roles during an era when such participation was extremely rare. For readers interested in military history, biography, or stories of individuals who transcended the limitations of their time, this memoir provides a rewarding and thought-provoking reading experience.