It failed, and Raynal--wounded, with a handful of survivors--surrendered, the Germans, in acknowledgment of the heroism of the defence, allowing the Commandant to retain his sword.
What manner of men were they that fought this fight?
What traditions did they represent?
What homes did they come from?
M.Henri Bordeaux, himself an eye-witness, to whose admirable and moving book on _The Last Days of Fort Vaux_, I am indebted for the preceding details, to some extent answers the question by quoting a letter, addressed by his mother to the stretcher-bearer, Roger Vamier, decorated in 1915 by General Joffre himself.
"_Et toi, mon tresor_--you must have a great deal to do....

Well, do all you can to save those poor wounded!--left there in the snow and blood.

My blood boils to be staying on here, when there is so much to do over there, in picking up those poor fellows.

Why won't they have a woman ?--there, where she could really help! It is the business of mothers to pick up those poor lads, and give them a good word.

Well, you must replace the mothers, you, _mon cheri_, you must do all you can--do the impossible--to help.