Hi,

I'm about to start building HobbyBoss's GMC Bofors 40 mm Gun kit (https://www.scalemates.com/products/product.php?id=134606) which comes with markings of the Free French Forces.

Could someone suggest figures for the crew? All I was able to find is a French driver but not a gun crew.

Thank you!
Cristian

Hobby Fan makes a US crew. French forces were US equipped, so that could work i guess.

Thanks! I didn't know that!

Yes, but. Weren't Free French Forces issued British Uniforms, or rather Commonwealth uniforms?

Thanks Steve! Hobby Fan also has a crew in Commonwealth uniforms.

Still, it'd be nice if somebody would have more precise information on this... Anyone a take?

Thanks!

The Hobby Boss kit truck belonged to the "22e Groupe Colonial de Force Terrestres Aeriennes" (= the AA unit of the Free French 2nd Armored Division).32 were built. They shot down 17 enemy aircraft between August 1944 and March 1945. Some were used postwar in Indochina. (from Boniface & Jeudy "GMC A Universal Truck" book). AFAIK, troopers of the "2e DB" were mostly equipped with US uniforms, gears and weapons (they retained some French army features like the forage cap and the kepi) :

http://2db.free.fr/divers_uniform_13bg.html

http://2db.free.fr/divers_uniform_501rcc.html

http://p0.storage.canalblog.com/07/78/729969/75782654.jpg



H.P.

If you're going to use US GI's as crew make sure they at least speak French!

Merci beaucoup, Frenchy! This is invaluable!

@Biggles2:

Hi,
You could probably use this set by Miniart, see the guy in the top left? He could be used as the gunner. Kit #35105

or , grab some French helmets or berets & use this british crew.Bronco kit #CB35084

Hi guys,

I don't think the Miniart figs would be any good! They represent the french forces engaged in 1940, not the free french organised by De Gaulle "coming back" in 1944!

While free french forces in NA (including Foreign Legion at Bir Hakeim f.ex.) might well have worn british uniforms and gear, the ones engaged in WE (2e DB) had US gear (except french commandoes and SAS who wore british gear of course).

Cheers

Romain

Thank you Romain and David for your suggestions and comments!