Les Oubliés de l'Île Saint Paul

However the most horrific tragedy is that of the "the forgotten of Saint-Paul": René Bossière persuaded his administrators and twenty-eight Bretons to build a canning factory to capitalise on the crayfish. It's a harsh life but the benefits are substantial: another campaign is set up the following year. Besides the new Breton settlers, ninety Madagascans come to take possession of these waters abounding in marine riches... However, as winter hits, everyone has to be repatriated, save for seven volunteers who, on 3 March 1930, endeavour to keep the factory in good condition until the next austral summer. Louise Brunou even brings a little girl into the world on the island. Sadly she is the first to die, followed by four other `wardens', all victims of scurvy. The next campaign sees the decimation of forty-four Madagascans as a result of beriberi!