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Post by craigtx on Apr 24, 2014 8:55:42 GMT -5
Unfortunately not much that will work for that time. I have a MAS36, MAS 36/51, and M1 Carbine and 1911. All good for Indochina, not for Algeria... It'll take me a while to get the spare funds to get a MAS 49/56.
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Post by lew on Apr 24, 2014 12:56:02 GMT -5
Actually, all of those will work. The -36/51 was not used in Indochina, but was used heavily in Algeria. The MAS Mle. 49 and MAS Mle. 36 LG 48 were used for grenade launching duties with the 50mm rifle grenade* in the Far East. The 36/51 is meant to shoot NATO standard 22mm rifle grenades*, so those were kept in Metropolitan France rather than be sent to Indo and further confuse the supply issue. While it would be nice if MAS-36 CR39's were available, the paras used regular MAS-36's in only slightly lesser proportion (at least in the field. Parade use was all CR39's), so that will work. Most of the M1 Carbines the French received came in after Indochina was over (1955, IIRC), and those were used throughout the war by all kinds of units. Same goes for the M1911. MAS Mle. 49/56 prices have been at $500 since I got my first one seven years ago, so there's no huge rush. Just stay away from the .308 conversions and all will be well. I have three of them now.  * A note on rifle grenade nomenclature: The 50mm refers to the outer diameter of the grenade body. I think the tube inner diameter is 18mm, but I'd have to measure my MAS 49. The 22mm refers to the inner diameter of the tube that slips over the muzzle-mounted grenade launching device, as well as all NATO-spec flash hiders (M-16, FAL, etc...). 50mm grenades were standard in Indochina, and 22mm grenades standard in Algeria. There was no crossover between the two conflicts. |
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Post by craigtx on Apr 24, 2014 14:46:01 GMT -5
Great, although a MAS Mle. 49/56 a nice addition later... Not to worry, I wouldn't touch a .308 conversion. Heard too many horror stories...
Oh, on another note. I finally heard back will arrange tomorrow for the Windproof Bigeard. He also said he's got a line of further FIW clothing etc. We will talk...
Thanks for all your help and advice Lew!
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Post by lew on Apr 25, 2014 7:53:01 GMT -5
The Mle. 49/56 wasn't issued until early 1957, and that was for in-field trials testing. The unit in my avatar, 11e Choc, was one of the first to get their hands on it. Of course, they were the tip of the spear, so they could get what they wanted if it was available. Most other para units didn't see them until mid-to-late-'58. For some select examples: 1e RCP started receiving the 49/56 in early 1958. The earliest I have record of the Commandos de Marine using them was 1959. So, the MAS-36, -36/51 and -49; M1 Carbine; and MAT-49 combo for individual small arms was pretty standard for the first half of the war.
I'm curious what other Indo-specific clothing they have. I saw the USMC/US Army camo pattern berets and caps. I'm wondering if there's anything else, although, with the exception of a USMC P42 ensemble, I'm pretty well covered with both the Denison smock and Windproof set. Speaking of which, the Windproof trousers came in after being altered. They fit like they were made for me. I am very happy with Panzerfaust's work.
No problem with the assistance. I enjoy sharing what I've learned. Considering how monumentally effectual both Indochina and Algeria were to world events, their relative obscurity in Western military history studies is baffling. As detestable as the French leadership was and still is, her fighting men have proven to be first-rate.
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Post by craigtx on Apr 25, 2014 8:31:40 GMT -5
Glad to hear about Panzerfaust. I'll have to look into them.
I'll have to agree with you there regardin' leadership and fightin' men. The more I read the more events that happened post FIW and Algeria make sense.
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Post by lew on Apr 25, 2014 8:46:30 GMT -5
As we know, the French experience in the Far East directly led to our involvement in Southeast Asia in the '60's. The US Army's use of airmobile tactics in Vietnam had, at its nucleus, the French doctrine from Algeria, which was the first conflict to see wide-scale helicopter usage. The effects of Algeria are still being felt in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, and in France itself.
Cheers!
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