In 1938, Jean Delpech did his military service in the 15^th Alpine Hunters Battalion (BCA), garrisoned in Barcelonnette. He made a great many drawings during his time there, which alternated between barracks life and military exercises. It is a period in which his output consists entirely of drawings. Consisting of rapid sketches made on the spot, on scraps of paper, and larger gouache and watercolour compositions, probably created during rest periods, these early works already testify to his mastery of all graphic techniques. Delpech was interested in every aspect of daily life: landscapes, views of buildings, exercises and manoeuvres in the high mountains, views of barracks, portraits of his comrades… He also depicted the uniforms and equipment of the 15^th BCA’s soldiers with extreme concern for detail, in a style all his own, making use of astonishing viewpoints and framing.