Louis Barthas Born in Homps on July 14, 1879 was the son of Jean Barthas, cooper, and Louise Escande seamstress (Barthas xix). Barthas only went to primary school which he graduated first of his regions (Barthas xix). He was cooper and owner of a few acres of vine (Barthas xix). Very involved in politics as member of the socialist party and secretary of his party local branch (Barthas xix). Barthas was a Corporal during the Great with an impressive longevity for non-com of four years of service