DD101 French Destroyer Tank (1 Viewer)

Vezzolf

2nd Lieutenant
Joined
Oct 22, 2006
Messages
3,716
I did not know the French Army in WWII had a marine corp?? Has anyone purchased this tank......except for the French soldiers with the fancy hats it seems not too exciting......does anyone have any historical imput or info regarding this K/C product......Thank you and God bless everyone this New Year:).......Vezzolf
 
Andy did his homework on this one - he is quite corect for the vehicle and the Marines.

The Regiment Blinde Fusiliers de Marine (RBFM) litterally translates as "Armored Naval Infantry Regiment". I don't know the background of the Fusiliers de Marine, but this unit manned the SP antitank gun battalion for the French 2eme Division Blinde (2nd Armored Division) using US M10 tank destroyers. The 2eme DB was formed from various elements of Free French personnel from sub-Saharan Africa and from England (versus the other two Free French Armored Divisions that were formed from ex-Vichy French personnel from North Africa). The 2eme DB fought under US command from its landing in Normandy in July, 1944 into the Lorraine campaign in the fall. The division was organized very similar to a 1943-pattern US armored division.

I looked at a web site on the 2eme DB and Andy got the markings right, even the yellow "Y" on blue square (the tactical sign for the RBFM's vehicles). Free French personnel of the 2eme DB wore mostly US Army uniforms, but tried to keep a national identity by wearing their French headgear and insignias - hence a trooper dressed in US uniform and field jacket wearing a French naval "bonnet". Andy also provides a figure of General Jaques LeClerc, the commander of 2eme DB. LeClerc is the namesake of the current French battle tank (like our Creighton Abrams). LeClerc was a DeGaulle loyalist - he had an attitude problem with the ex-Vichy officers in the French First Army. LeClerc was a tough and hard driving armor commander. He was made a Marshal Of France after his untimely death.

I am looking to buy one for my collection when I can afford it along with a LeClerc figure (and this is coming from a guy who has minimal interest in the French!).

Gary
 
Andy did his homework on this one - he is quite corect for the vehicle and the Marines.

The Regiment Blinde Fusiliers de Marine (RBFM) litterally translates as "Armored Naval Infantry Regiment". I don't know the background of the Fusiliers de Marine, but this unit manned the SP antitank gun battalion for the French 2eme Division Blinde (2nd Armored Division) using US M10 tank destroyers. The 2eme DB was formed from various elements of Free French personnel from sub-Saharan Africa and from England (versus the other two Free French Armored Divisions that were formed from ex-Vichy French personnel from North Africa). The 2eme DB fought under US command from its landing in Normandy in July, 1944 into the Lorraine campaign in the fall. The division was organized very similar to a 1943-pattern US armored division.

I looked at a web site on the 2eme DB and Andy got the markings right, even the yellow "Y" on blue square (the tactical sign for the RBFM's vehicles). Free French personnel of the 2eme DB wore mostly US Army uniforms, but tried to keep a national identity by wearing their French headgear and insignias - hence a trooper dressed in US uniform and field jacket wearing a French naval "bonnet". Andy also provides a figure of General Jaques LeClerc, the commander of 2eme DB. LeClerc is the namesake of the current French battle tank (like our Creighton Abrams). LeClerc was a DeGaulle loyalist - he had an attitude problem with the ex-Vichy officers in the French First Army. LeClerc was a tough and hard driving armor commander. He was made a Marshal Of France after his untimely death.

I am looking to buy one for my collection when I can afford it along with a LeClerc figure (and this is coming from a guy who has minimal interest in the French!).

Gary

Thank you Gary.....very informative.......Best regards and a Happy New Year
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top