Nelly Martyl

Summer 1916. In the Verdun sector, a curious stage was set up, decorated in the colours of the French flag. It was called the “Front Theatre” and a man was standing next to it, supervising the work. He was the creator of the theatre, the artist Georges Scott, who had set out to organise shows to entertain the troops. But what would the entertainment be? There was no question in Georges’ mind.

Nelly Martyl, his wife. She was a famous singer from the Paris National Theatre, and had been serving with the Red Cross since the start of the war. Since she arrived in Verdun, she had distinguished herself several times, in particular by caring for the wounded. Wearing her white nurse’s uniform, she walked through the billets with a smile on her face, giving out cigarettes and kind words.

With the “Front Theatre”, she sang. She treaded the boards frequently, performing classic and patriotic songs for the French soldiers. Her presence and her voice boosted the morale of the troops. For a moment, they were able to forget the war and its horrors. She was so well appreciated that General Passaga said that her voice was responsible for the military successes of his men. And Nelly was rewarded with citations and the Military Cross. But without a doubt, her greatest pride would have been that she was known affectionately as the “Fairy of Verdun”.