Tomorrow to be Brave: A Memoir of the Only Woman Ever t… (2025)

This is a FANTASTIC and poignant memoir, one of the best that I've read for a long while.

When I first picked up this book and read its flyleaf, what it described seemed too incredible to be true. Susan Travers, born in England from a materially comfortable (albeit not affluent) background, with parents of Victorian sensibilities not well-matched for each other, went to live in France with them in the early 1920s. There, after finishing school, she learned to live life to the full, feeling more French than British. She was an accomplished tennis player on the amateur level and an avid skier.

Upon the outbreak of the Second World War, Susan offered her services to the French Red Cross. There she learned the rudiments of nursing and in early 1940, was sent with her unit to Finland, where she spent several months helping wounded Finnish soldiers from the recently concluded Russo-Finnish War to recuperate and convalesce. But with the Fall of France in June 1940 and the withdrawal of French forces from Scandinavia, Susan found herself back in England. Determined as ever to make a meaningful contribution to the war effort, she offered her services with the Free French then being formed under the leadership of General de Gaulle from various elements of the French military who rallied to his call to continue the fight against the Germans. Thus began her relationship with the French Foreign Legion, which took her to Dakar (where Free French forces suffered a bloody repulse later in 1940 after trying to establish a toehold in Equatorial Africa against the Vichy French), East Africa, and the Levant (where the Free French won their first battles in Syria and Lebanon, assisting the Allies in wresting both protectorates from Vichy control in 1941). It was also in the Levant while Susan was recovering from jaundice that she found love with one of the high-ranking Free French officers. A man who would play a pivotal part in her life throughout the war.

Later, after the Foreign Legion was sent to North Africa to assist the British and Commonwealth forces in holding the line against Rommel's Afrika Korps and Italian forces, Susan earned herself a special place in the Legion for staying at Bir Hakeim, a vital strongpoint in Libya, which Rommel needed to capture in order to push forward to Egypt and control of the Suez Canal, without which the Allies could not expect to maintain its precarious hold over North Africa, and by extension, the Middle East. At this time, she was the official driver for this officer, K, (promoted to General), who commanded the French forces at Bir Hakeim. Rather than stay safe in the rear area far from the front, Susan opted to return to Bir Hakeim, where German and Italian forces outnumbered the Legion by 10 to 1.

Despite a personal ultimatum from Rommel himself requesting that all French forces surrender Bir Hakeim or face annihilation, General K resolved on a plan to breakout with his troops under cover of darkness after having received approval from his British superiors to do so. It was a bold gamble as Susan bravely drove the General and one of his junior officers through a minefield and 3 lines of defense firmly held by the enemy. Several hours later, when it seemed that all hope was lost, they found safety upon reaching a British forward position. Gradually, those troops who survived the mines and vicious attacks from Italo-German forces, were able to reassemble in British controlled territory. This battle helped to further bolster De Gaulle's claim to be the "real leader" of Free France, and lend credibility to the Free French military.

For a variety of reasons, Susan had to sever her ties with General K (who later came to occupy one of the highest positions in the French military, earning De Gaulle's deepest respect and trust), and continued to serve with the Legion in Italy and France, seldom far from the frontlines.

With war's end in May 1945, Susan was a bit of a loss as to what to do with her life. With the help of some officers she had known in the Legion, Susan was able to be officially admitted into the Legion --- as an officer. Service in Indochina followed, where she found love and marriage with a fellow Legionnaire. (Susan Travers went on to live with France with her husband and 2 sons. Her husband predeceased her in 1995.)

Fand ich damals sehr interessant und spannend ihre Geschichte zu lesen. Eine mutige Frau

What an amazing lady. Susan Travers was (and has been) the only woman to (be allowed to) join the French Foreign Legion. A lot of people asked to write her memoir, but she chose to wait until she was over 90, and her husband and all previous lovers (that have their part in the memoir) were dead. She was on active duty during the WW II, but tells about her life also before the war.
War, fights (even though she wasn't on the frontline but a driver and sometimes a nurse), exotic locations (in war-time Africa, so accommodations more like tents and sleeping in a hole on the ground than anything even remotely resembling resorts), love (yes, that too). She doesn't spare the details. Definitely not your typical WW II book. I hugely admire this lady.

Very good read.
Totally enjoyable memoirs.
I didn't know about Susan Travers before reading this book, even though I have read many books about the French Foreign Legions.
What a broad!
She led a wicked life, as she herself said and managed to gather quite a fruit salad along the way as well as a nice little family.
From a loveless childhood in England to an adolescence in France and a privileged life all over Europe as a semi-professional tennis players to volunteering to serve for France in WW II, then motherhood, retirement and at he sunset of her life, writing her memoirs so that her grandchildren "can read what a wicked lady her grandma was".
Sure some would claim that she was the "mistress" but if not one legionary questions your status about being a legionary (and she is to date, the only woman legionary in the French foreign legion), it is because they know that first and foremost, she was one them, sharing the hardships, the dangers, not firing a shot in anger and yet driving fearlessly towards the enemy to get the wounded to the hospitals or leading the break-out from Bir-Hakeim with legion legend Colonel Prince Amilakvari at her side and her general (Pierre Koenig, hero of Bir-Hakeim) behind her!

This woman led a free life, ahead of her time in many ways and deserves only our respect!

Read her story, enjoy it and cherish it!

The modern military member will probably be doing a lot of head-shaking while reading this autobiography. This is definitely not your typical war story as it is written by the only woman to enlist in the Foreign Legion. In this capacity, Ms Travers was not actually involved in combat except dodging the odd shell and, through blind luck, she managed to drive her General/lover through the encircling German armour at Bir Hakeim. For much of her time in Africa Travers lived in relative luxury as the General's paramour, a situation that would call for courts-martial all round in this day and age. Stiil, full points to Travers for honesty as she didn't try to gloss over her involvement in this and several other affairs of the heart. Full points to her for answering the Legion's call for troops (you cannot say her country's call as France was ruled by the Vichy regime at this time), and for turning out a war story that manages to be interesting in spite of the mushy stuff.

Definitely a book worth spending time and attention to for its unique historical value! I was gripped by the story of this lady's life, from her self confessed frivolity of the 1920's and 30s to her entrance into the war and the French Foreign legion. Her honesty in describing her life, love and war experiences is very obvious and the fact she waited until no one could be affected by this candid portrayal of her life shows dignity, tact and sensitivity.
Highly recommend reading this and finding inspiration from her.

A totally absorbing and moving book, I read this in one read through until the early hours of the morning. Susan Travers left her privileged, somewhat frivolous life in Europe to join the Free French forces at the outbreak of World War II which she spent mostly in Africa. This book was educational, inspirational and a heartbreaking love story.

This was an amazing read. Susan Travers lived an amazing life, and the story is fascinating. It was a surprise that noted (and excellent) chick-lit author Wendy Holden was the co-author on this book, and the book was eminently readable and well-paced. This would be a great choice for a reader during women's history month.

I was surprised to find myself really enjoying this book and its (at times) almost mad-cap adventure in the midst of such turmoil and hardship. Highly recommend you read it for the rest of the story.

Susan Travers was born in 1909, the daughter of a Victorian, starchy well-off family who, for the sake of her father's rheumatism, moved to the French Riviera when she was 12, where she spoke both English and French, later learning German. She was then sent to a finishing school in Florence that gave her the first glimpse freedom of a world beyond her upbringing. On a school trip to Rome, she was seduced by a middle-aged hotel manager and never looked back. She spent time in England and several European countries visiting friends where it was a socialite’s life of parties, pleasure and men—always seeking adventure and daring.

A monthly stipend from an aged aunt allowed her this luxury. Later, when she was staying with an American divorcee in France, she learned of Britain declaring war on Germany. She was not yet 30. Since she was getting bored with life, she thought that she would join the French in battle. All that was available was nursing. With only a short training period and a nursing diploma, she joined De Gaulle's Free French Forces as a nurse in 1940, the only place for women at the time. She found it not to her liking and became, instead, an ambulance driver then a personal driver/chauffer for officers, most unique for a woman at that time. From this point on, her career was among men only--except the occasional female nurse at the field hospitals. The love of her life, Pierre Koenig, was her third driving job. There was such a bond that where one went, the other was to be found. Several times, he tried to dissuade her from her duties when the areas were difficult assignments but she stayed on. His pet name for her was “La Miss,” as she later became known among the troops.

In one of the toughest times, Koenig was in charge of facing down Rommel’s North African campaign. At Bir Hakeim, they were surrounded by enemy troops for 15 days with supplies down to their last and enemy fire high. Koenig devised a plan to run straight through enemy troops with a mine field separating the troops in the moonless dark of night with no running lights as enemy troops slept. Susan padded all the open areas in the car body with sand bags for increased protection and the plan was set for Koenig’s car, Susan driving, to be the lead in getting to safety. Everything was going as planned until one unit drove into a mine field setting off the explosion that alerted enemy troops to their movement.

Her continued efforts during WW II as Koenig’s driver earned her 12 medals and #22166 of the French Foreign Legion as Adjutant-Chief, an all-male military group. She eventually served in 9 countries driving various sorts of civilian and military vehicles.

Ten years after World War II was over, Susan was summoned to Les Invalides to receive the prestigious Military Medal, Travers was surprised to find it was Koenig, then France's defense minister, who pinned it on her chest. He whispered in her ear as he pinned it on her, “I hope this will remind you of many things. Well done, La Miss.”

The Wartime Memory of the only Female in the French Foreign Legion

Tomboy, socialite, ambulance driver, and member of the French Foreign Legion, Susan Travers had an adventurous life. That much is clear. For me, it was difficult to recognise the voice of this person in the writing of Wendy Holden.

Here is a sample from a situation where Susan Travers and her colonel just survived an air attack (p.106, Kindle edition): ‘Straightening up, I brushed myself down further and flicked a strand of dark hair from my face before heading back towards the first truck that had been hit, to see what could be done.’
Would a confirmed tomboy, ambulance driver, and member of the foreign legion mention the colour of her hair? Maybe the socialite would have, but, in Susan’s own words, she’d already disappeared. No doubt, a lot of research and several interviews went into this narrative, but my question is if Wendy Holden put the words in Susan Travers’ mouth. Here is another sample of less than adequate writing:

Left to cope on my own in the heat and hostility of North Africa with two demanding children, I had a recurrence of back problems I had suffered from in my teens. (p. 271).
All I could do was drink sweet mint tea and watch Zena care for my two demanding children. (p. 272).
day. It took a great deal of getting used to at first, but with two demanding children and the company of the ever-faithful Rebecca, I was able to keep myself from going mad with boredom. (p. 274).
Is this the socialite speaking, is it the nurse, or is it Ms Holden? All in all, the military sections work better for me. The reality of war and the consequences of relentless attacks, like those at Bir Hakeim, are harrowing and compelling. The romances between Susan Travers and her lovers sometimes come across as part of a Mills and Boon novel. It is a pity that this war document loses part of its importance through the lack of a major interpreter.

This was one of the best memoirs that I’ve read in a while! Definitely a book worth spending the time to read if only for its unique historical value!
Susan Travers left her privileged somewhat frivolous life in Europe to join the Free French forces at the outbreak of World War II which she spent mostly in Africa. I was intrigued by the story of this lady’s life, from her self-confessed frivolity of the 1920’s and 30’s to her entrance into war and the French Foreign Legion. I loved her honesty in describing her life, love, and war experiences.
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Susan had been approached with many offers to write her memoirs since the war but she refused them all. She wanted to wait until her husband (and others that would be affected by the portrayal of her life) had passed away. She didn’t want him to read about her life before him in a book. So, because of this, her memoir wasn’t written until she was 90 years old. This shows the dignity, tact, and sensitivity that Susan embodied.
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I highly recommend reading this poignant memoir and finding inspiration in Susan Travers! And if you’d like more information about Susan check out this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/ma...

#PamelaReads2020 #FrenchForeignLegion #WorldWarII #SusanTravers #TomorrowToBeBrave #WomenOfWar

''I think women are different. A brave man is always brave. A brave woman, there are times when she doesn't feel like being brave. War is a serious matter -- people being killed whom you know. I, on the other hand, seemed to handle war better than a broken heart. I just happen to be a person who is not frightened. I am not afraid.''

I read the English version. Not one for biographies, usually, but I'm so glad I read this. How much adventure can one person pack into a lifetime? To have met and befriended so many courageous people, have been in the front lines of battles that too few now remember and to come through almost unscathed to tell her story.
This is the story of a 'modern' woman, born in England and holidayed in the playground of Europe in the 1920s and 1930s before war came. She went on to win many medals for her bravery as a general's driver, ambulance driver, gun transport driver, spending time in a dug-out outside Tobruk in the face of German fury. She became the only woman in the French Foreign Legion, respected and honoured by her colleagues.

What a delightful way to start the 2024 reading year - with a 5 star book! Everyone knows I don't hand out stars easily but this book deserves it! This is the memoir of Susan Travers, the only woman to serve in the French Foreign Legion, serving during WWII and was right in the middle of some intense battles. And what a life this woman lived! Right from the beginning, I was gripped by Susan Travers. Not only do we find out about her time in war and afterwards but she has no problem discussing her torrid affairs which adds a bit of spice to it all. This book has it all! Love, death, war, peace, and everything in between. If you don't want to read Tomorrow to be Brave, at least take the time to look up this amazing woman and learn a bit about her. I promise, it's worth it!

A remarkable account of a remarkable woman. Serving with the French Foreign
Legion and surviving the battle of Bir Hakeim she capture both the hardship, her love for General Koenig and life on the front line.

It is a moving book in parts with some very emotional chapters tinged with sadness. However, throughout it shines with her zest for life, her bravery and her enduring I love for the Legion and General Koenig.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8...

As a book it is easy to read and I had no trouble in reading it in a very short time. I would recommend it to anyone as a “must read” book.

This is a superb novel. The hero led a fascinating and full life and manages to tell the story brilliantly. I struggled through a couple of badly told biographies before this, and the difference in quality was huge. Very easy to read, with stories and anecdotes that will live with you for a long time. The other characters in Susan's life are vividly portrayed, from the cold and distant father to the dashing and brave officers she fought alongside in Africa. Je ne regrette rien.

Het was een stoere én eigenwijze vrouw, die tegen alle regels in gewoon doorreed.
Het boek leest vlot, op een gegeven moment had ik het een beetje gehad met alle gevaren waaraan het legioen uitgeleverd was. Ik was nieuwsgierig hoe het met de (verboden) liefde voor generaal Koenig zou aflopen en dát gedeelte van het boek leest als een roman. Bizar hoe Koenig komt te overlijden tijdens een standaard heupoperatie.

For a woman that claimed to be supremely independent she sure attached herself to a married Frenchman almost fatally during WWII and it affected much of her life after. Blindly in love though he wasn't, she followed him into battle as his driver like a camp follower. The book mainly covers that period though later found her not happily married to someone else and repeating the cool, distant raising of her children that she received from her parents. Rather a depressing life.

An easy and enjoyable read about an unconventional women in less permissive and extraordinary times. She doesn't make herself out be a hero, despite her obvious courage and provides a rare level of insight into the mindset and emotional states of both herself and her fellow soldiers in the midst of battle. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and quite relatable.

A gripping, firsthand account of WWII from an English woman who served in the French Foreign Legion. From the battlefields of North Africa through to Italy and Asia this woman led an extraordinary life, particularly liberated for a woman of her generation.

This story is so amazing, I actually double checked that it was non-fiction. Ms. Travers took the idea of finding adventure and truly ran with it. A little slow reading at the beginning, but worth pushing through. She truly led an extraordinary life!

You want a story about a badass woman who you can hope to aspire to be only 1% badass as she—read this book.

What a story. She was quite the gal!!

Tomorrow to be Brave: A Memoir of the Only Woman Ever to Serve in the French Foreign Legion (Hardcover)
by Susan Travers

Read this book a few times and still can't get enough of it. One of my favourites.

I read this in one sitting.

Nuff said.

Indrukwekkend waargebeurd verhaal. Toch boeide het me minder, was anders dan ik op basis van de achterflap verwachtte.

Dit is zeker geen boek dat ik zelf zou kiezen in een bibliotheek of boekenwinkel. Maar wanneer enkel de beperkte selectie boeken beschikbaar is van mijn vader, dan grijp ik al snel naar de enige niet-thriller in heel de stapel. Een boek met vergeelde bladeren en een oude, gestoffeerde groene kaft, met op de eerste pagina de krullende lettertjes van de initialen van mijn grootvader. Op zich prikkelde dat genoeg mijn nieuwsgierigheid om dit boek open te slaan.

Normaal houd ik niet zo van biografieën, maar het verhaal van de eerste (en toen uiteraard enige) vrouw in het vreemdelingenlegioen is er ééntje dat direct fascineert. Over hoe een kokette rijkeluisdame zich losrukt van haar ouders, beslist om alle luxe op te geven en zich aan te melden om ten strijde te gaan met het legioen, tijdens WO II in Afrika. Wat begon als een job als verpleegster, groeide snel uit tot chauffeur van één van de belangrijkste generaals. Een boeiend verhaal over een moedige vrouw.