David G.;
Tamiya German Gray (XF-63) is good, as is Testor's ModelMaster "schwarzgrau 1939-43" (2094). I like the Floquil RR enamel "grimy black" - but slightly lightened with something like the Floquil RR "dust". I think the Polyscale "grimy black" Matt N. mentioned would be about the same color, but in an "acrylic" form.
IF you are doing your early III-E for the French campaign, you should probably base-coat it in one of the above or similar colors, and follow up with a darker brown in a 1/3 camo scheme, as that was the official "garb" of the period up thru June, 1940 (so, after the fall of France).
Cheers!
Bob
PS: Is this the recent Dragon III - E early "France" kit? If so, which wheel set did you use - the earlier narrow wheels, or the later wider ones? How was the build (I'm thinking of getting this one and need the "spur"!

)?