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Post by soldatsoucy1 on Aug 3, 2009 10:18:29 GMT -5
Cookie or anyone?  Would colonial airborne troops during Indochine have used a modified M50 helmet during late war or were the M1/M1Cs used almost exclusively.... curious. Doc |
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Post by cookie on Aug 3, 2009 13:18:24 GMT -5
Doc, Are you referring to the French 'Casque Modele 1951'? (pictured below). If yes, then the answer is that paras, mostly from GAP2, were issued the Mle 51 helmet, albeit in small numbers. This was from the start of 1954. In the below photo, showing two paras with Col. Langlais in March '54, the para nearest to the camera is clearly wearing a Mle 51 helmet. This appears to have the paratrooper model factory fitted Webbed 'A' frames and webbed chin cup. I have seen a few photos of paras wearing these helmets at Dien Bien Phu, but none of them shows any 'theatre made' chin cup or 'A' frame assemblies. All appear to show the factory fitted ones. I would say that the M1 and M1C US helmets were already in abundant enough numbers for the paras not to have to fit their own bits into standard Mle 51 helmets. I know for a fact plenty of the standard ones were issued to infantry units during the seige. I've also searched through my collections of pictures from the Suez Crisis (1956) and the Algerian war (1956+) and have found plenty of pictures of paras during both conflicts wearing M1, M1C and Mle 51 'para' helmets. Strangely enough the majority are still M1 and M1C helmets. None of the men wearing the Mle 51 have 'theatre added' assemblies.  In the below series of images M. Denis Lassus illustrates the various helmets worn during the latter stages of the war - in particular Dien Bien Phu. The French Mle 51 helmet for airborne troops, bottom left, featured an 'all arms' standard shell with a factory modified liner that was fitted with an American style webbed 'A' frame and chin cup.  |
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Post by soldatsoucy1 on Aug 3, 2009 16:25:42 GMT -5
Yes Cookie...my error.....you answered my question completely...and I appreciate it much.
M1 and M1C seem to be the standard with a few M51s with factory made A Frames.
Many thanks for the pictures as well!!!!! That clarifies many things for me.
Doc
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Post by oggy on Aug 4, 2009 3:12:16 GMT -5
It seems that, like with most nations, the theory was that if it worked, why replace it? (plus, the awld sweats would keep a hold of their initial issue, just to set themselves apart from the Herd)
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keane
Entraînement
Posts: 43 
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Post by keane on Apr 11, 2016 21:19:51 GMT -5
what would a real Indo para helmet be worth. correct straps by the book configuration. I know I can have a replica built for about $350. but how much would a verified one be worth.? I am debating an very high price. but for original direct from the family in France. with provience.
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keane
Entraînement
Posts: 43
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Post by keane on Apr 11, 2016 21:41:11 GMT -5
real but but looking at 50 year old straps and fitments. Thinking real but I don't want to pay too much..
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keane
Entraînement
Posts: 43
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Post by keane on Apr 11, 2016 21:41:59 GMT -5
Input ??
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Post by craigtx on Apr 11, 2016 21:58:14 GMT -5
Good question... More than I can afford, I'm sure...
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Post by lew on Apr 12, 2016 12:53:37 GMT -5
I saw an original M1 (may have been an M1C) from 1e RCP with the original painted unit insignia in halfway decent condition on the front go for well over $1200. That may not be an accurate indicator since that can be traced to one specific unit. I would expect to pay at least $700 for a verified TAP M1 with an M1, M1C, 50/53, or CEFEO liner and suspension.
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Post by craigtx on Apr 12, 2016 22:05:07 GMT -5
That sounds like a reasonable guesstimate.
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