Final answer:
The provided excerpts do not clearly state the French soldier's trade before the war, instead offering insight into the characterization of soldiers and attitudes towards warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The text provided does not explicitly state what the French soldier's trade was before the war. Instead, the passages provide insight into the wartime experiences and cultural narratives surrounding soldiers and legionnaires, colonial conquests, and the underlying strength and spirit of military figures. The reflections shared seem to emphasize the transformative effects of conflict and the enduring martial traits carried on by individuals, even in times of peace. However, without a direct statement of the soldier's previous occupation, we cannot definitively answer the question.