hi all. i want to build/convert some figures into french soldiers that foght in the early 1950's in vietnam. now i got 2 questions:

1: did the french use m1 garand rifles(they did use a lot of american weapons).

2: the early camuflage uniforms, wich look like US Marine Corps camuflage uniforms, were they american uniforms ore a french "look alike"?

hope you guys know what i mean.
thanks in advance,
johan berkvens

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2415621

Lots of links and photos.

Hi Johan

While I can't answer your questions directly maybe I can point you in the right direction. First, Go over to www.Squadron.com and pick up a copy of "Armor in Vietnam " The first chapter or so are about France's war for Indo China. France did use alot of American weapons & gear.
I'm going to go out on a limp and say the French did have at least some m-1s during thier time in Indo China. P.M me a address, I have some hard copy refernce material on the conflict that if you want I'll send along..
On a final not Academy does, or did make a set of French Foreign Legion figures that are all post war.{II} I hope this helps, and let me know about the hard copy stuff.
Harry

Hello Johan,

If you want a clear summary of the indochina war, please read the men at arms "the french indochina war 1946-54".
>I read several books on the subject. I never seen M1 used by french troops. French troops (infanterie de marine/légion/parachutiste) used US uniforms and weapons, like the US marine camouflage or the small M1carbin, but they also used a lot of french uniform (especially the légion and the parachutistes (M1947/52 jump suit). The main rifle used by french was the MAS 36-51 rifle. At the beginning French forces used British uniforms and weapons and even german weapon like the mauser.

For conversion you can use from Dragon the US marines in Korea, but also the Gen2 marines, and also US Dday paratroopers.

Hope it helps.

Julien

hi guys,
thanks for al the comments. i shall look into them some more.

to Harry: thanks for your comment but i dont nead the coppys you mentioned.

when i have converted a figure i will let you guys know.

best regards, johan berkvens