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Post by rockape867 on Oct 16, 2019 16:32:11 GMT -5
Can anyone point me in the direction of accurate information on what uniform and equipment was used by the III/3 REI at Na San?
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Post by lew on Oct 17, 2019 17:23:29 GMT -5
What little I've seen of Legionnaires at Na San, they were wearing the Mle. 47 TTA uniform. Accoutrements would be the leather Mle. 45 set.
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Post by can on Oct 18, 2019 9:53:57 GMT -5
These are scans of Plate 26 from Windrows "Uniforms of the French Foreign Legion" 3rd REI 1952 He is the one on the left with the FM 24/29. He also seems to have a zeltbahn shelter quarter for a poncho. The plate says shelter half...The text from another page indicates a rifleman would have Mle. 45 leathers and a MAS 36   |
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Post by lew on Oct 18, 2019 14:18:35 GMT -5
What jacket and trousers is the guy on the right in plate 26 supposed to be wearing (I don't have my book on hand.)? Looks like TAP 47/56 due to the trouser cargo pockets and the jacket bottom pockets, which they obviously would not have worn in 1954.
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Post by can on Oct 18, 2019 14:48:53 GMT -5
That Plate covers '52 -'54 The legionnaire on the right is obviously wearing TAP and is not REI. As far as 47/56 without a look to see if he has three snaps on the pockets I wouldn't know. There not '52's unless he removed the useless front pockets'
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Post by earlymb on Oct 20, 2019 4:59:52 GMT -5
I know those illustrations are based on photos but they are just illustrations, and not detailed enough to be real reference sources. Does anyone know the original photos they are based on? Might yield better info?
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Post by can on Oct 20, 2019 15:27:56 GMT -5
Good point David and for me the answer so far is no. I looked at every book I keep in the study and nada... no real pictures that are detailed enough for reference. I'll keep looking though and maybe find some luck.
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Post by can on Oct 22, 2019 12:14:07 GMT -5
I was able to find this photo of the CEPML which is the question about the Para. The photo shows them clearly with 47/52. The plate drawing is not accurate in that sense and the flak vest is a US 1951 model that came available in Dien Bien Phu for artillery and mortar crews. I also found a website that has good information and photos on III 3rd REI at Na San www.more-majorum.de/einheiten/3rei/bat3/index.html |
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Post by earlymb on Oct 23, 2019 3:26:19 GMT -5
The man leaning against the barrel also seems to have a shortened US M1943 folding shovel, interesting.
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Post by lew on Oct 23, 2019 14:55:34 GMT -5
At that point, it could have been the French copy of the shovel. I've had that picture in my digital library for ages, and never looked at it that closely. Good eye. Lugging 120mm mortars through the mud seems like absolute misery.
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Post by can on Oct 23, 2019 15:47:53 GMT -5
Personal experience jumping (landing) with a longer shovel is a real concern. You have enough to be thinking about without a shovel breaking a rib...
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Post by lew on Oct 24, 2019 12:17:56 GMT -5
I'd bet the shovel would have been on/in the pack when they jumped and relocated after the fact. That position look like it would interfere with chute straps, not to mention pose a hazard upon deplaning and landing.
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Post by lepayen on Jan 30, 2022 15:58:00 GMT -5
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topbreak
Dans le théâtre de la guerre
Posts: 91
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Post by topbreak on Jan 31, 2022 10:18:14 GMT -5
Is it just me, or would it be plausible that ZZ Top got their look from the anciens of the Legion.
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Post by lepayen on Jan 31, 2022 19:27:57 GMT -5
I spy M42(?) US HBT jacket and the tops of some leggings. Any ideas on what is in his helmet band?
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Post by craigtx on Jan 31, 2022 19:52:44 GMT -5
It looks like a US Carlisle bandage tin.
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Post by earlymb on Feb 1, 2022 5:48:47 GMT -5
I think his trousers are also US HBT with the large side pockets?
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Post by craigtx on Feb 2, 2022 15:38:49 GMT -5
I believe so.
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Post by craigtx on Feb 2, 2022 15:41:19 GMT -5
Is it just me, or would it be plausible that ZZ Top got their look from the anciens of the Legion. LOLZ! Prolly not... While I love that Li'l Ol' Band from Texas, I doubt if they would know Indochina if'n it stood up and bit them and said Howdy! I'm Indochina!... |
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Post by can on Feb 2, 2022 16:24:30 GMT -5
I think his trousers are also US HBT with the large side pockets? Worst design ever, impossible to use the pants pockets with any equipment. |
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