You might not think of the musical instrument industry as “cutthroat.” But in 19th century Paris a new invention caused a uproar involving nefarious plots, incendiary devices, and attempted murder. You may not recognize the name Adolphe Sax, but you almost certainly recognize his most famous invention.
By September of 1944, the Western Allies had broken out of the Normandy beachehead, and suddenly and quickly moved across northern France . By September 7th, the 90th division was stretched across the northern sector on Patton’s Third Army’s left, advancing slowly northeast. As they did so the German defenders made a risky attack in an effort to spoil the allied advance, cutting through Allied lines in a surprise action at the small town of Mairy-Mannville.