OFFICERS and SOLDIERS of the
OFFICERS and SOLDIERS of the
�
The Metropolitan Troops General Headquarters, Military academies, lnfantry, Fortress lnfantry, Alpine lnfantry, Chasseurs a pied, Chasseurs alpins, Alpine Fortress lnfantry, Tanks, Cuirassiers, Dragoons, Chasseurs a cheval, Hussars, Armored Cars, Reconnaissance Groups, Artillery, Engineers, Train, Gendarmerie, Services (Supply, Administration, Medica! Corps), Paris Fire Brigade.
The Mrican and Levant Special troops Zouaves, Algerian, Tunisian and Moroccan Tirailleurs, Foreign Legion, African Light lnfantry, chasseurs d'Afrique, Algerian and Moroccan Spahis, Saharan companies, Levant Special troops.
The Colonial troops Colonial lnfantry, Senegalese tirailleurs
The Air Force The Navy
André JOUINEAU Translated from the French by Alan McKAY
HISTOIRE & COLLECTIONS
1940 MAN With the ups and downs of the Year 1914, the army of the Belle Epoque, with its madder-red trousers, quickly changed into a "horizon blue" army. After one year of war the soldier who had gone off to war without a care in the world had meta morphosed into a less conspicuous warrior facing the enemy. In the years following the end of the conflict it was recogni sed that the mustard-coloured cloth used by the Aflican troops was more practical and far better adapted to meeting the fun damental need of making the infantryman less visible. But as the horizon blue clothing had first to be worn until all the stocks were used up, the colour change was only car ried out among the rank and file uniformly so that there wasn't a medley of khaki and horizon blue uniforms in any one regiment. This complete change of uniform was generally effective
vidual weapons. For the unit weapons, the FM 24/29 machine gun was in general use and popular with its servants. The Hotchkiss machine gun was still in use. 60- and 81-mm mortars, developed directly from the trench artillery like the anti-tank guns, appeared in the French infan try arsenal. The MAS 36 was the most recent individual weapon issued, but only to certain active units. The MAS 36-type cartridge belts were used alongside the former Lebel ones. The lozenge-shaped pouch was repla ced by a canvas backpack, together with a lower pack and a pouch which could be attached to the belt. The ANP 31 gas mask sheath replaced the ARS type metal box.
The NCOs and the Officers
from 1935 onwards but Reserve troops and certain non
For the everyday uniform, an effort had been made for
combatant units nonetheless kept horizon blue uniforms
the NCOs' dress. For the re-engaged NCO corps (SOR- Sous
until up to the eve'of the war.
Officiers Rengagés), an attempt had been made to find a
Unfortunately this change in colour was not the result of a modern vision of the combatant and overall, the silhouette of the 1940 soldier did not differ very much from his 1918 predecessor. Combat dress and equipment was dated.
The soldier He wore the inevitable greatcoat, the symbol of French military battledress ever since the Second Empire. lndeed, whether it was bluish metallic grey, or horizon blue, with a straight collar or a fold-down one, one row of buttons or two, it was the single battledress item used whatever the season or the theatre of operations. In winter the infantrymen wore a jersey under it; in summer they wore it over their shirt together with a tie - a quite useless touch of elegance in com bat. The khaki trousers were cut to the same style as in 1918
more elegant service dress and a real off-duty uniform which more closely resembled the officers'. On the other hand the Sergents' and Sergent-Chefs' bat tledress was identical to the rank and file's. The Adjudants wore officers' uniforms with the NCOs specificities. Likewise the lntendancy tried to preserve a certain degree of elegance for the officers' uniforms. Since they paid for their own clothes, sorne couturiers supplied accessories from the top of the range to those officers who could afford them. Officers therefore had a veritable wardrobe at their disposal, supplemented by the farnous 1931 Model uniform which renewed with lllrd Republic tradition by blinging back into fashion the traditional colours of each sub-division of the different arms.
The Air Force and the Navy
and worn with puttees. In 1939, golfing breeches were
Having become an independent service in 1933, the Air
brought in; they were very fashionable arnong the young of
Force adopted a modern uniform which was in tune with its
the day. This novelty was accompanied by fawn leather or
epoch and is still in use nowadays with the officers. Flying
canvas gaiters but they were only issued to a few units; with
suits were constantly being studied to salve problems lin
use it was noticed that the trousers were not very practica]
ked to high altitude flying.
because they were too baggy and snagged on everything.
The Navy had always taken care with its crews' uniforms
The fawn or black boots were those used during the Great
and only a few modifications had been made to in the uni
War. The farnous 1915 Adlian helmet had undergone sorne
form since 1914, except for the cut of the cap and the width
changes. The one-piece 1926 Model had a crest and was
of the off-duty uniform trousers.
made of steel and manganese and its volume had been increased slightly. 4
since 1918. The 1916 Model infantry rifle, the carbine, the Ruby pistol and the 1892 Model revolver were the main indi
The infantryman's armarnent had hardly been developed
On the other hand, the shipboard service dress, keeping in tune with technological developments, had been consi derably improved.
the 1di ine
Generals wearing the 1930 Model uniform
rhe 1Ch 'an..
ed, the )la md 31
for 1U5-
da ich )at nts re e for 'ies Jrd 1eir •rm
Kk 1
of
Air its ing
.h.aJJ of France hal de France) tbe 1930 Jllodel 1 ...Worm . At the time . � Franc he t <.pert)' ( 1856-1942) as tbe only person 'l.o •ear this uniform t "tarédlaJ Pétain, cas tbe French �orto Spain still ..-con lhe 1922 Jllodel IMirizoo blue uniform.
Jll arshall of France wearing a 1930 Jllodel N'2 uniform.
Lieutenant-General wearing the 1930 Jllodel N' 1 uniform.
linBrigadier-General wearing the 1931 Jllodel N'2 uniform.
ms mi
jth
ing
1Si-
Jllajor-GeneraJ belonging to the Jllilitary Household of the President of the Republic.
5
Generals in service dress
Brigadier-General wearing daytime dress 1'1'3.
Brigadier-General wearing daytime dress 1'1'3. and a greatcoat.
Brigadier-General wearing service dress 1'1'4.
Brigadier-General wearing battledress and raincoat.
Brigadier-General wearing service dress 1'1'4. variant with simplified kepi.
6
Staff Officers rn:=J
e
Armband for the Ministry of \\lar Headquarters Staff.
"
Armband for the President of the Republic's Headquarters Staff.
Army Corps HQ Staff armband.
Headquarters armband of the General commanding the Artillery of an Army.
Cavalry Division HQ Staff armband.
Cavalry Brigade HQ Staff armband.
Brevet Colonel belonging to General Gamelin's staff, after a period photograph.
'oo路brevetted Captain earing service dress. :t.a<.bed to the Artillery HQ Staff.
Non-brevetted Captain wearing battledress, attached to a cavalry brigade's staff, according to Maurice Toussaint.
7
The Military Academies
Cadet at the ESM (Ecole SpĂŠciale Militaire) at St Cyr,
Officer at the ESM at St Cyr, wearing full dress uniform.
in full dress, called the "Big U" in
Cadet at the ESM at St Cyr wearing manoeuvres dress.
the school's jargon.
Cadet at the Ecole d'Application at Saumur, wearing battledress. after a period photograph. Officer at the Ecole d'Application at Saumur, wearing battledress.
8
The Infantry
® :: t t t t t ' t t t
Caporal-chef from t.be 150th Infantry Kegiment wearing parade dress alter � period photograph. l1r is presenting anos ,itb an JIJAS 36 .md is wearing the 14·18 Croix de Guerre shoulder .;guillette/cordon.
Drummer from the 152nd tnfantry Regiment in parade dress alter a period photograph. Nicknamed the Diables Rouges (the Red Devils), the regiment was awarded the red Légion d'Honneur aiguillette.
.
\bove. Tbe full dress metal �ental insignia .md the coUar patch.
Corporal from the 41st Infantry Regiment in winter off·duty dress. The metal insignia is wom on the aiguillette which is the colour of the 14·18 Croix de Guerre.
Caporal-chef in the 43rd lnfantry Regiment in winter off-duty dress. The metal insignia is worn next to the 14·18 Croix de Guerre aiguillette This Caporal-Chef is wearing the radio-telegrapher's insignia, on the left sleeve above the rank stripe. •
Soldier in shirtsleeves, wearing billet dress.
9
The Infantry
To find out about the collective distinctions or aiguillettes attributed to the different regiments leading up to the 1940 French Campaign we consulted www.pages/4l B.com or the "RĂŠpertoire des corps de troupe de l'armĂŠe fran<;:aise pendant la Grande Guerre" by t:ric Labayle and Michel Bonnaud, published by Claude Bonnaud.
Soldier wearing a 1936 Model jersey and so-called 1938 "golf" trousers.
Soldier on leave
1938 Model tunic -
wearing a 1938 Model tunic
with six buttons.
the first version,
(vareuse) with flaps hiding the collar patches.
Soldier wearing battledress. 1926 Mode1helmet 1920 Model Greatcoat with camouflage buttons Golfing breeches t'uttees 1917 Model buskins 1935 Model cartridge pouch ANP 31 gas mask and its bag attached to the belt 1935 Model flask 1934 Model top bag 07/15 Model rifle and its bayonet.
10
FM 24/29 machine-gunner The function insignia is wom on his 1eft arm.
The Infantry Soldier wearing battledress. He is wearing a 1938 Model greatcoat with one row " of buttons and is equipped with the 1916 Model suspender hraces and cartridge pouches. Soldier in the 5 1st IR wearing battledress in the spring of 1940, according to the latest regulations. MAS 36 Rifle.
ldier from the 85th antry Regiment battledress. has tied bis lannel belt like .a sc.arf round neck, like African troops. Tbe 85th IR wore .a 1+-18 Croix Guerre aiguillette.
The 5 1st IR wore an aiguillette-cord the colour of the MĂŠdaille Militaire.
Loader (the FM gunner's team mate) wearing battledress, in the spring of 1940 according to the most recent regulations. The gaiters were made of canvas. He was armed with a Ruby pistol and was the least well-armed man in the combat group.
Soldier wearing battledress, on the front line during the winter of 1939-40. The helmet is protected with a cachou-coloured canvas cover: a balaclava helmet, a pair of woollen mittens and a sheepskin jerkin complete bis winter uniform.
11
The Infantry
How the backpack was assembled with the upper haversack, the gas mask container. the lower pack and the tool secured to the upper pack. Note that the upper pack can be carried in two positions, one of which is shown here; the other is lower down on the back.
12
The Infantry. NCOs
A 1--
1�
V
6 6
6
-\djudant in the 35th Lnfantry Regiment in service dress. Tbe top of the kepi now has its silver stripe mixed 10ith red again. Tbe regimental insignia is wom on the right
Adjudant-chef in the !31st IR in service dress. The regiment's aiguillette was the colour of the 14-18 Croix de Guerre.
officers and NCOs.
wearing a coat. The aiguillette is the colour of the Médaille Militaire. Note that the metal insignia is worn over the collective distinction.
and the aiguillette is the colour o( the Médaille Militaire. Tbe button with a grenade .. as specific to lnfantry
Adjudant-chef in the !50th IR in daytime dress,
Sergeant in the !50th IR in service dress. The figures on the collar tabs are embroidered. He is wearing the telephone operator's insignia. The !50th IR's aiguillette is the colour of the Médaille Militaire.
Sergent wearing battledress. Like the Sergent-Chef, he was dressed and equipped in these circumstances like the rank and file.
13
The Infantry. Officers
Lieutenant from the 35th lnfantry Regiment wearing a 1931 Model uniform. The aiguillette is worn on the second button in the front.
Captain in the 131st IR wearing service uniform. This captain's decoration bar shows that he is a veteran of 1914路18. He is wearing his awards by order of preceden ce: the L茅gion d'Honneur,
Sous路Lieutenant in the 131st IR, wearing fatigues.
captain in the 18th IR wearing battledress.
the 14-18 Croix de Guerre with star and palms. the Veteran's Cross. the lnter-Ailied Medal, the 14路18 Commemorative Medal and the Verdun Commemorative l'ledal. For all subdivisions of the arm. 1931 Model Uniforms N' 1
Lieutenant in the 131st wearing battledress.
IR.
14
and N' 2 were suspended during wartime operations by decree dated 12 October 1939.
The Alpine Infantry
*
o
Parade dress of the 159th RIA the soldier is wearing Corporal from lbe 99th R茅giment d'infanterie alpine RJA -Mountain lnfantry Regiment) wearing p.arade dress. He is wearing
the Skiers-Scouts' Star. The 159th RIA was the holder of the 14-18 Croix de Guerre.
Soldier wearing battledress. The collar flaps hide the regiment's number. The mountain infantry was also equipped with the 1926 Model Adrian helmet.
lbe mountain troops' beret but with a madder-red grenade and the Mountain Tmops' blue belt. He is also wearing mountain boots ..;tb socks: the rest
Skier路Scout from the SES section
Lieutenant in the 80th
is lbe same as
of the !59th RIA.
RIA wearing battledress.
lbe infantry. Tbe 99th RIA's aiguillette 10-as that of the 14路18
He is wearing a windbreaker over his jersey (light pullover).
Attached to his belt a is a M 1937 Automatic pisto!. The 80th RIA
Croix de Guerre.
He is equipped with
was the holder
a 1916 cartridge pouch, a carbine and
of the 14-18 Croix de Guerre aiguillette.
the Mountain Troops haversack.
15
The Fortress Infantry
Soldier, 1st Class in the 1 72nd Fortress lnfantry Regiment with the off-duty unifonn's coUar patches. The ann strip denotes the sector or the fortress which the unit was assigned to. The aiguillette was the colour of the MédaiUe Militaire and the fortress troops' general insignia was wom on the beret by the rank and file.
Corporal in the 69th Fortress lnfantry Regiment wearing off-duty dress. The cummerbund was no longer worn after 1939.
16
Corporal from the 1 72nd RlF wearing battledress. The collar patch has a figure and the Russian braid is dark blue. The corporal's stripes are almost the same shade·as the greatcoat.
Fortress infantryman wearing billet dress, around 1938.
Corporal in the 146th Fortress lnfantry Regiment wearing winter off-duty dress. He is wearing a wooUen khaki belt and the same colour beret which were both distinctive of the Fortress troops. The RlF insignia. here in coloured enamel (fancy). was worn on the aiguillette which was the colour of the MédaiUe Militaire. The button is the infantry's. a half baU with a single coquille made of copper and zinc aUoy.
The fortress Infantry
Caporal-Chef lrom the 68th lnfantr y earing 路ortification O'el'' dress.
Drummer from
the 172nd Rlf wearing full p arade dress around 1938. alter a .period photogrnph. The colours of the drum aproo werenoted by Pierre-Aibert Leroux.
Clarion and horn-player from the l 72nd FIR wearing full parade d ress abotit 1939.
Soldier wearing fatigues.
mate crewman in 1938 from the 3rd Batt alion.
17
Fortress Infantry. NCOs
â&#x20AC;˘
Sergent-Chef from the 172nd fiR in summer parade dress.
Sergent¡Chef from the 1 72nd fiR wearing ordinary dress.
18
Sergent-Chef from the 172nd fiR wearing winter parade dress.
In principie, the button with a grenade was only accorded from adjudant upwards.
Sergeant in the 1 72nd fiR from among the specialised cadres.
Adjudant-Chef in the 1 72nd fiR wearing service dress. Note that the rank stripe has been placed on the beret.
The Fortress Infantry. Officers
ďż˝
Captain in the 172nd FIR 193 1 ¡Model uniform.
Captain from the 1 72nd FIR wearing service uniform.
Captain in the 1 72nd FIR wearing service dress.
Lieutenant in the 1 72nd fiR in service dress.
Lieutenant from the 1 72nd FIR wearing battledress.
19
The Infantry Combat Group
Sergeant. commanding the group.
Corporal, second in command of the group.
Gunner for the FJII 24/39 machine gun.
..
Loader.
20
dn010 lBQlUO'J ÁllUBJUI aq1
The 25-mm Anti-Tank Gun
Hotchkiss 25路mm anti路tank gun.
Ist Servant with an ammunition case.
Driver of the cheniiiette (small tracked vehicle) used for towing the anti路tank gun.
22
The 60-mm Mortar
Corporal. firer.
Artificer.
23
The 81-mm Mortar
Sergeant commanding the section.
Gun-layer.
24
Loader.
Artificer.
The 81-mm Mortar
L(lader
Loader
Chenillette driver Loader
wearing a 1935 Model cachou coloured uniform and, right. wearing a 1936Model Jersey.
NB. The Chenillettes (small tracked vehicles) were used initially to supply {ront line combatants. They were also used to tow 25-mm anti-tank guns. They were tried out carrying the 81-mm mortar but this idea was not followed up.
25
The Hotchkiss Machine Gun
Gunner. carrying the machine gun.
l'lechanic. He carried the spare parts as well as a spare barre!. Loader.
The Groupes francs
Grenade-launcher.
- 6 Armament J. Vivienne-Bessiere (VB) Grenade. 2. Grenade Iauncher sheath. 3. Ruby pistol holster 4. Ruby pistol.
Patrolman wearing a 1938l'lodel canvas uniform.
7 Patrolman wearing a lighter uniform. June 1940.
5. MAS 36 and its grenade路luncher (6). 7. Carbine.
27
The Chasseurs a pied
••
Corporal in the 2nd BCP, wearing parade dress. Note the collar patches horns are symmetrically positioned.
Chasseur from the 1st BCP in parade dress and wearing a greatcoat.
Bugler and hornist, 1st Class. from the 8th BCP. wearing parade dress. Note that the helmet insignia is highlighted. The 8th BCP had received the Légion d'Honneur aiguillette.
Caporal·chef in the 2nd BCP wearing off-duty dress.
Corporal in the 2nd BCP wearing winter off-duty dress.
28
The Chasseurs a pied
ďż˝ w
"
Chasseur wearing billet dress.
Caporal-Chef in very reduced patrol dress. wearing a jersey. Note the rank tab worn on the jersey.
Chasseur in the 69th BCP wearing the uniform for the rear of the front. autumn 1939.
\Vhen the 69th BCP's troops mobilised, they wore a dark blue uniform except for the sky blue
(bleu horizon) greatcoat whicb carne from an active unit,
Chasseur in the 69th BCP wearing campaign dress. September 1939.
the 1Oth BCP.
29
The Chasseurs a pied
•
•
•
Chasseur in
Chasseur in the
Chasseur in the
the 2nd BCP wearing battledress.
96th BCP wearing
69th BCP wearing
battledress.
battledress
Chasseur in the 69th BCP in battledress wearing the 1938 Jllodel motorcyclist's jacket. This uniform was adopted Chasseur in the 4th Battalion of Jllechanised Chasseurs. He is wearing the uniform of the mechanised troops.
30
for use on the expedition.
Narvik
The Chasseurs a Pied. Officers and NCOs
..
6-
Lieutenant in the 2nd BCP wearing the 1931-Model uniform.
Adjudant from the 2nd BCP wearing a 1931 Model un端orm. after an item of period un端orm. The decorations were. by order of precedence:
Captain in the 2od BCP in day un端orm
(service
dress ).
the 1914-18 Croix de Guerre, the Combatant's Cross. the lnter-AIIied Medal, the 1914-18 Commemorative Medal, the Verdun Commemorative Medal, the Rhineland Medal.
Adjudant in the wearing senice
2od BCP. dress.
Lieutenant in the 8th BCP.
31
The Chasseurs Alpins (Alpine Troops)
�o
Chasseur in the 22nd BCA. wearing parade dress.
Corporal in the 13th BCA. wearing off·duty dress. with its cloak.
Corporal in the 1 Ith BCA
in
summer manoeuvres uniform, from a drawing by 1'1. Toussaint.
wearing service dress.
Captain in the 7th BCA. wearing a cloak.
32
The Chasseurs Alpins
â&#x20AC;˘ ..
Chasseur in the 27th BCA.
"earing battledress.
Captain in the 22nd BCA, wearing parade dress.
Chasseur wearing summer manoeuvres dress.
Chasseur wearing a sk:ier's 1940 Model jacket and 1935 Model hooded coat.
5ergent-Chef in the 20th BCA, wearing battledress at the beginning of 1940, after a period photograph.
33
The Chasseurs Alpins in Norway
Corporal - a scout from a BCA. wearing a skier's 1940 Model anorak. mountain boots and canvas gaiters.
Chasseur wearing the canvas anorak pattem 1940.
Chasseur wearing a reversible balaclava. lbe helmet itas a white camouflage cover
Chasseur wearing a sheepskin jacket.
Chasseur wearing a khaki tunic under the regulation cloak.
34
The Alpine Fortress Battalions
�
Insignia and collar patches for off-duty dress, and the arm strip of the 70th BAF {Battalion Alpin
de fortresse - alpine fortress battalion).
Insignia of the SES {Section Eclaireurs-Skieurs - Skier-Scout Section) of the 70th BAf.
�
�
Soldier from the SES
(section d'éclaireurs skieurs) wearing windjack.
Corporal m the 70th BAF �ing parade
fM
24/29 Machine Gunner.
s. On a period photo soldiers can be seen •earing tbe cummerbund hich we suppose ,015 blue. 1dicating that they belonged to the Alpine troops.
� Lieutenant wearing battledress, collar talls and arm title, in gold letters for officers.
35
The Tanks
Lieutenant from the 51 Oth Combat Tank Kegiment wearing the 1931 Model N' 1 Uniform.
Sous路Lieutenant in battledress from the 15th Combat Tank Battalion. He is wearing the former black leather 1920 Model jacket.
Sergent路Chef in the 48th BCC wearing campaign dress with the new 1935 Model Havana leather jacket. The leggings are doubtful.
Corporal Mechanic wearing service dress. Chasseur wearing battledress with armoured BL 39 glasses.
36
The Cuirassiers
•
�-u
Adjudant-Chef from the 12th Cuirassiers in service dress. The regiment was operational again on 1 January 1940. lt was the 3rd DLI'I"s recce unit.
6
Brigadier-Chef from the 4th Cuirassiers wearing winter off-duty dress.
Lieutenant the 4th Cuirassiers earing lbe 1931 Model N' 1 Lniform. The 4th Cuirassiers "-as one of the combat regirnents in lbe 1st DLI'I
Division Légere 'fécanisée- Iight
motorised division).
fl'l 24/29 machine
gunner from the 6th Cuirassiers. The regirnent was still mounted and was part of the 3rd Cavatry Division.
Brigadier in the 12th Cuirassiers belonging to the motorcycle squadron.
37
The Dragoons
Off-duty dress
Battledress
18th Mechanised Dragoons. 8th Dragoons. (mounted)
Insignia oftbe 4th Motorised Dragoons.
6
o
Lieutenant in the 2nd Motorised Dragoons Regiment in service dress. The 2nd Dragoons belonged to the 3rd Cavalry Division.
Plain silver half-button.
Trooper from
Lieutenant in the 8th Dragoons wearing
the 4th Motorised Dragoons in service dress. The 4th Dragoons
the 1931 Model 1'1' 1 Uniform. The 8th Dragoons was still mounted and was part of the 2nd cavalry Division.
was part of the 1st DLM.
Dragoon from a motorised squadron of the 2nd RDP. wearing 4 x 4 transport dress.
Brigadier-Chef from the 4th Motorised Dragoons, wearing battledress after a period photograph.
38
The Chasseurs a Cheval Colonel in the 1 1 th Chasseurs a Cheval Regiment. wearing the 1931 l'lodel 1'1'1 Uniform.
campaign uniform collar patch and off-duty dress collar patch.
The selhi-motorised regiment was disbanded on 2 September 1939 to form a GRCA ( Qroupement de reconnaissance de corps d'armĂŠe- army corps reconnaissance group), and three GRDI (groupe de reconnaissance de division d'infanterie- infantry division reconnaissance group). The 1 Ith Chasseurs were the holders of the 1914-1918. Croix de Guerre aiguillette since 12 January 1919.
w
6
(f) om
l'lounted Brigadier wearing battledress.
Trooper wearing battledress. The off-duty uniform coat with sky blue piping was also used when the active men were mobilised.
39
The Hussars
f1
â&#x20AC;˘
r:l '\J!
6
Centre. Radio-telephonist's insignia.
o m
Below. Physical lnstruction brevet (silver).
Lieutenant in the 4th Hussar Regiment, wearing his coat.
Brigadier-Chef from the 4th Hussar Regiment. wearing off-duty dress. He is wearing the telegrapher's insignia on his left sleeve and on his chest on this occasion, the Physical tnstruction brevet.
Lieutnant in the 4th Hussars, wearing the 1931 Model No 1 Uniform. With the 6th Dragoons, the 4th Hussars formed one of the 3rd Cavalry Division brigades.
Trooper from the 4th Hussar Regiment wearing battledress, front and rear views.
40
The Armoured Car Regiments
D
ďż˝
Lieutenant in the 1st Armoured Car Regiment wearing service dress. Without there being any real rule, the GRDI's kepi was often the Light Cavalry's (sky blue) and the GRDA's the Heavy Cavalry's (dark blue).
m
Lieutenant from the 1st Armoured Car Regiment wearing the 1931 Model N' 1 uniform. Apart from the regimental insignia, this officer is wearing the Mechanised Units'insignia. The 1st GAM was one of the two mechanised corps in the 1st Cavalry Division.
Lieutenant in an Armoured Car Squadron from tbe 1st Armoured Car Regiment. The 1920 Model blac.k leather jacket was
stW
wom here and there.
Brigad.ier in the 1st Armoured Car Regiment wearing a khaki canvas uniform and a raincoat
Brigadier in the 1st Armoured Car Regiment. wearing a 1935 Model overcoat and khaki 1935 Model canvas overalls.
41
The Reconnaissance Groups (GRDI and ORCA)
' ' o
Lieutenant in the 68thGRDI's motorcyclists' squadron.
Squadron Commander in the 68thGRDI. wearing a coat.
•
• TheGRDI was made up of recruits from Brittany, hence the insignia with the Breton ermine.
Brigadier-Chef from the mechanised squadron of the 68thGRDI.
Soldier from the mounted squadron of the 68thGRDI.
42
The Artillery
6ďż˝
Brigadier in the 163rd fortress Artillery Regiment wearing off-duty dress prior to 1939.
Captain
Artilleryman,
in the 39th Artillery
Ist Class,
fortified Region
in the !55th
Regiment, wearing the 1931 l'lodel uniform.
fortress ArtiUery Regiment.
l'lounted Artiiieryman from the 32nd Artiiiery Regiment.
Brigadier-Chef wearing the mounted uniform of the 7 3rd Cavalry Division.
43
The Artillery
fortress unit Gunner wearing fortress crew uniform.
Artilleryman in the 407th Anti路Aircraft
Artilleryman in the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment.
Regiment.
Colonial gunner wearing a flannel jacket. off路duty.
Artilleryman in the 67th African Artillery Regiment.
The Engineers
-�
0 Lieutenant in the 8th Engineers Regiment, wearing the 1 9 3 1 l'lode1 N' 1 Uniform.
6
• Lieutenant from the 8th Engineers Regiment. wearing battledress.
Sergent·Chef in the 1 8th Engineers Regiment. wearing battledress with the telegrapher's insigna.
Caporal-Chef in the 1Oth fortress Engineers Regiment. wearing battledress. Corporal in the 2nd fortress Engineers Regiment. wearing winter off-duty dress.
45
The (Supply) Train
Automobile driver in the supply train.
o
Lieutenant in the 16th Train Squadron. wearing the 1931 Model N' 1 Uniform.
Brigadier in the !20th Automobile Squadron of the General Reserve according to a period photograph.
Motorcyclist in the 6th Train Squadron, on traffic duty. Driver in the 2nd Train Squadron
6
The Gendarmerie
®.
' ® Gendarme wearing battledress, after a photograph taken in April
1940.
Gendannerie Adjudant·Chef wearing service dress.
Garde Républicain Mobile (GRM Jllobile Republican Guard) assigned to the Jllaginot Line.
Gendannerie
in the
Gendarme outfit worn for civil
Lieutenant in the outfit worn for civil disturbances.
disturbances.
47
The Medica! Corps
Inspector-Doctor wearing the 1930 Model N' 1
Doctor wearing the 1931 Model N' 1
Doctor in service uniform.
Uniform.
Uniform.
Pharmacist in service dress.
Doctor wearing battledress.
The Medica! Corps (and miscellaneous)
Hospital Administration Officer.
Nurse wearing battledress.
Veterinary Officer wearing service dress.
Doctor in tbe ColoniaJe. wearing tbe 193 1 Model Nâ&#x20AC;˘ 1 Unilorm.
Catholic Almoner wearing battledress.
49
The Services
-
..
Controller-Generat 1st Class. wearing the 1931 Jllo del uniform.
Sub-Inspector on the Jllilitary Kailway Service.
50
Assistant Jllilitary Justice Officer.
Caporal-Chef in the Jllilitary Administration Workers section.
Assistant Payer. 1st Class, from the Army Treasury Service.
The Paris Fire Brigade
+
Fireman from the Paris Fire Brigade in fire路fighting outfit. "
Corporal in the Paris Fire Brigade in full dress.
Caporal-Chef in the Paris Fire Brigade.
in the
uniform
worn when on duty at the Parisian theatres.
Fireman from the Paris Fire Brigade wearing service dress.
Lieutenant in the Paris fire Brigade wearing service dress.
51
The zouaves
�
«>OW .... regOmm""
insignia and
Légion d'Honneur aiguillette awarded to the regiment on 25 December 1918.In 1939. the 9th Zouaves belonged
to the 87th DIA.
Corporal in oriental
Corporal in winter
dress.
olf·duty dress.
Corporal wearing battledress.
Lieutenant wearing battledress.
Lieutenant wearing the 1931 l'lodel N' 1 Uniform, also showing the details of the rear of the sleeve.
The Algerian, Tunisian and Moroccan Tirailleurs
u Regimenta! insignia and the Great War aiguĂźtette.
Re-engaged Sergeant wearing town dress.
ative Tirailleur wearing off-duty dress with the hooded collar.
â&#x20AC;˘
Captain wearing the 1931 Model N' 1 Uniform. ote that the officer has kept bis "baggy" trousers.
Sergent-Chef wearing battledress. Corporal wearing battledress.
53
The Foreign Legion The kepi had a white cover; some models covered the top part of the headdress completely.
â&#x20AC;˘
Legionary in the 13th DBLE. in action at Narvik.
Brigadier in the 2nd KEC, wearing battledress and a canvas gandoura over the uniform.
Corporal. from the 2nd KEI (RĂŠgiment
Etranger d'lnfanterie) wearing off-duty dress. He is wearing the TOE Croix de Guerre aiguillette.
Captain in the 2nd KEI wearing Uniform N' 1 of the 1931 Model.
The Mrican Light Infantry Battalions (BILA)
• "'
Chasseur in the 1st BILA,
...
Corporal from
Chasseur
the 1st BILA,
in the 1st BlLA.
wearing off-duty dress.
wearing canvas uniforrn with 1931 Model topee.
lieutenant wearing Uniforrn i'l� 1 of the 1931 Model.
Adjudant wearing white off-duty dress.
55
The African Chasseurs
Captain in the 2nd RCA (HĂŠgiment des Chasseurs d'Afrique).
o
Captain
Lieutenant wearing the 1931 Mode1 N' 1 Uniform.
in the Mechanised Squadron of the 3rd RCA, in about 1938.
Brigadier in the Mechanised Squadron of the 4th RCA, in around 1938.
Brigadier in the 4th RCA, wearing traditional dress.
The Algerian and Moroccan Spahis
o
Lieutenant in the 2nd l'loroccan Spahi Regiment wearing daytime dress, with both burnooses. The l'loroccan Spahis could be distinguished from the Algerian ones by their dark blue instead·of madder red burnoose and by their kepi and coUar attributes: the Sharifian star •
• Lieutenant in the 6th RSA (Régiment de Spahis algériens) wearing the 1931 l'lodel N' 1 Uniform.
Trooper in the 6th Algerian Spahi Regiment wearing campaign dress.
Algerian Brigadier wearing off·duty dress.
Trooper in the 6th Algerian Spahi Regiment during the french Campaign. He is carrying an MAS 36 slung over bis shoulder. The bayonet and its sheath were therefore no longer worn on the belt.
57
The Saharan Companies
o, a Lieutenant in the Saharan Companies. wearing the 1931 Model 1'1' 1 Uniform.
Sous-Lieutenant in the Saharan wearing canvas uniform.
MĂŠharist (camel "trooper") in battledress.
Saharan Tirailleur.
58
The Levant Special Troops
..
Infantryman in off-duty dress. Artilleryman in off-duty dress.
Lebanese Chasseur wearing off-duty dress.
Caporal-Chef in the Light Desert Armoured Car Squadrons wearing off-duty dress.
'\atin' "'CO in the mounled squadroo. .,. earing baWedress.
59
The Colonial Troops
• Corporal wearing a dark blue Hannel jacket.
• Corporal wearing off-duty dress. He is wearing
the electrician's insignia.
6
Soldier of the 23rd RIC (Régiment
d'lnfanterie Coloniale), wearing winter off-duty dress.
Soldier in the 21st RIC wearing battledress. Soldier wearing the khaki canvas off-duty uniform worn in the Colonies.
The Colonial Troops
â&#x20AC;˘ ...
Adjudant
in service dress.
Corporal from the 24th Mixed Colonial lnfantry Regiment
in the Levant in 1940.
Colonial
lnfantry
lieutenant wearing tbe 193 1 Model N" 1
linifonn.
Senegalese Tirailleur wearing a jacket.
Tirailleur in the 56th RTS wearing battledress.
61
The Air Force
Aircraftman wearing parade dress, after a period photograph.
Caporai路Chef at N' 102 Air Base, wearing parade dress in summer, after a drawing by Maurice Toussaint.
Aircraftman, 1st class, wearing service dress.
Aircraftman in the uniform worn for guarding the air bases during the French Campaign Sergeant Mechanic in the 5th Aviation Group wearing service dress.
The Air Force
�
* -� �
Czech PUot·Sergeant incorporated in the GC1/5 during the french Campaign.
He is wearing the Czech brevet together with the french one he obtained after qualifying on an Armée de I'Air machine.
PilotS - ergeant in the Fighter Group (GC) 1/5. TheSPA 67 (whose insignia is shown above) was mentioned twice in the Order of the Army in 1914·1918;it was the first group to bear the Croix de Guerre 14-18 aiguillette.
PUot eqaipaoa> for b.igh .a.ltitu< loget.btt aDd
ltb lemer'dtt
�e.
Pilot-Lieutenant wearing a flying suit.
63
The Navy Quarter-l'laster wearing parade dress.
Sailor wearing off路
Chief-Quarter-l'laster
duty dress.
wearing winter off-duty uniform.
Sailor. 1st Class, in the landing companies.
Sailor, 1st Class. wearing summer uniform.
The Navy
..
Brevetted Second-l'laster wearing off-duty dress.
Non-brevetted Second-l'laster in the
Master in the landing companies.
landing companies.
ďż˝ (9 Quarter-l'laster bugler.
Ensign in the AĂŠronavale (french Fleet Air Arm). pilot assigned to Flotilla 4S.I. flying a CAMS 37 seaplane.
BIBLIOGRAPHY, SOURCES
WE BSITES
-
- Chasseurs de mémoire http//militaria.conceptbb.corn/ Pages 14-18 -
La ligne Maginot. Tomes 1 a 5. J.-Y. Mary & A. Hohnadel et
J. Sicard. Histoire & Collections, Paris - The French Army. Men at Arms no 315
http://www.pages14-18.com
F. Vauvillier & Mike Chappell. Osprey publishing
- Mémoire des hommes
- Les uniformes de I'Armée Franya.ise. M. Toussaint, Cdt.
http://INININ.memoiredeshommes.sga.defense.gouv.fr/
Bucquoy. Éditions militaires il/ustrées, 19 déc. 1935
BOOKS
MAGAZINE$
- t.:uniforme et les armes des soldats de la guerre 1939-
1945. L. et F. Funcken. Éditions Casterman - 1940, l'infanterie. F. Vauvillier. Argout éditions, Paris - Les uniformes de l'armée franya.ise 1939-1940 commented by F. Vauvillier. Self Edition -
Curtiss au combat. Olivier Lapray.
-
Collections from Militaría Magazine,
Histoire & Collections, Paris - Collections from GBM, Histoire & Collections, Paris - Collections from Uniformes, Éditions Régi-Armes, Paris
Histoire & Collections, Paris
- Special lssue Uniformes no 26
- Les chasseurs d'Afrique. J. Sicard & F. Vauvillier.
de France , Éditions Régi-Armes, Paris
Histoire & Collections, Paris
- Special lssue Uniformes no 7 "La légion étrangere", Édi
- Les char 8 au combat. F. Vauvillier & S. Bonnaud
tions Régi-Armes, Paris
"
Les soldats de la bataille
"
Histoire & Collections, Paris - Collections from musée de I'Armée, Paris - Collections from musée des troupes de marine, Fréjus
The author would particular/y like to thank 0/ivier Be/lec
This book has been realised by André Jouineau and Jean-Marie Mongin Histoire & Collections 201 O
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1
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N' 1 .
Officers and soldiers ol the
N' 2.
Officers and soldiers al the
OfFICI:RSondSOIOIERSci
-��
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Officers and soldiers al the
American Civil War
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french Imperial Guard, 1804--15
Yolume 1
Volume 2
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lnfantry
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Officers and soldiers al the
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N' 6.
Oflicers and soldiers al the
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1
Oflicers and soldrers o: -::e
French Hussars, 1804--12 Yolume 2 From the 1st to the 8th Regime
Cavalry (Part Two)
From the 'Ancien Regime· to the Empire
N' 7,
_QI"�ICERSa..d�lSol
m ülli1Rlml �©rolill 5.The.-.rtllleryTrain.thell·agonTrain. Administratioo,theMedca! i Ser\lct:,tkadquartersS;.aff
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N' 11, Qf;cers aoa wces � French Arm\" 19 P Yolumé 1
August-December 191 �
; 4. french
OFFICERS and SOLDIERS of the french
T
Army in 1940
HIS, THE THIRTEENTH BOOK IN THE "OFFICERS AND collection, shows the French Anny during the Phoney War and the F rench Campaign in May-June 1940.
Continuing the work - started two years ago by André Jouineau in the two volumes dealing with the 1914-1918 armies- given over to an almost exhaustive survey of F rench Anny uniforms and outfits during the two World Wars, this volume shows almost sixty colour plates with no less than 300 uniforms, severa! dozen
insignia and equipment illustrations. Particular attention has been paid to the description of the combat groups and the servants of the unit weapons. Shown are the uniforms of the Military Academies, the HQ Staff, the lnfantry, the Fortress lnfantry, the Mountain lnfantry, the Chasseurs a Pied, the Chasseurs Alpins, the Corps F'rancs, the Narvik troops, the Cuirassiers, the Motorised
and Mechanised Dragoons, the Hussars, the Chasseurs a Cheval, the Armoured Car Regiments, the Oroupes de Reconnaissance, the Artillery, the Tanks, the
Engineers, the París Firemen, the Oendarrnerie, the Train, th Medica! Corps, the Administration Services, the Zouaves, the Tirailleurs, the Foreign Legion, the Spahis, the Chasseurs d'Afrique, the Saharan companies, the Levant Special Troops, the Colonial Troops, the Air Force and the Navy. ISBN: 978-2-35250-179-4
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