Dien Bien Phu (1 Viewer)

[bridport]

A fascinating battle which predates the US Vietnam conflict Have just read an interesting account of French Foreign Legion paratroopers battling Viet Minh. As befits the FFL's 'no questions' reputation, amongst their ranks were many SS veterans.

A unique period in military history, and would be wonderful to see K and C explore this theatre.

Also, superbly portrayed in Graham Greene's 'Quiet American'...

 

[Bill Moore]

This was done in a small way when K&C sculpted the first figures for Hachette`s "THE HISTORY OF THE FOREIGN LEGION" several years ago ,and perhaps a figure for the Collectors Club. Also perhaps a figure from DEL Prado`s "Men At War series". As I Recall!

 

[Bill Moore]

One of the best books ever written on this campaign in Vietnam was "Street Without Joy" circa the early to mid 60`s. My Opinion!

 

[lancer]

One of the best books ever written on this campaign in Vietnam was "Street Without Joy" circa the early to mid 60`s. My Opinion!

By the same author, Bernard Fall, the BEST book on the subject of Dien Bien Phu is "Hell In A Very Small Place". It is unsurpassed, a great read. "Street Without Joy" is fantastic. -- Al

 

[cantinetozzo]

I think the definitive account is "The Last Valley" by Martin Windrow...he uses all the accounts you quoted and delivers a great book! Also i read the one by Howard Simpson (an american journalist who was there for some time). I have too the figure made by K&C for Del Prado and Hachette...Del Prado one is a vietnamese of the 5th Bawouan fighting for the french. The hachette figure is very nice, K&C quality at its best.The K&C club is very rare.. I hope Andy will find space for some other...

 

[bradleyl30]

And some dismantled Chaffees:

http://ftr.wot-news.com/2014/06/29/chaffees-at-dien-bien-phu-part-i/

 

[bradleyl30]

A fascinating battle which predates the US Vietnam conflict Have just read an interesting account of French Foreign Legion paratroopers battling Viet Minh. As befits the FFL's 'no questions' reputation, amongst their ranks were many SS veterans.

A unique period in military history, and would be wonderful to see K and C explore this theatre.

Also, superbly portrayed in Graham Greene's 'Quiet American'...

I think historians estimate only 60 to 70 German SS were in the Legion. Maybe another couple hundred members from "allied" or foreign SS units. Once it got out in '47 that the Legion was recruiting former SS members a stop was to it.

That would be according to Bernhard Fall who wrote "Hell in a Small Place."

 

[bradleyl30]

From Armchair General:

Myth 1)The French Foreign Legion unit in Dien Bien Phu consisted almost entirely of former Waffen SS commandos or German WW2 veterans.

Reality:Only 30% of the entire Foreign Legion force in Dien Bien Phu were Germans.In fact most of the German Foreign Legionnaires were not Waffens SS and not even veterans of WW2. Most of the German Legionnaires were young men with little combat experience!

There is a clarification that the "little combat experience" is not by the time DBP started, but when they entered the Legion. Most were veterans by the time the battle started.

 

[lancer]

From Armchair General:

Myth 1)The French Foreign Legion unit in Dien Bien Phu consisted almost entirely of former Waffen SS commandos or German WW2 veterans.

Reality:Only 30% of the entire Foreign Legion force in Dien Bien Phu were Germans.In fact most of the German Foreign Legionnaires were not Waffens SS and not even veterans of WW2. Most of the German Legionnaires were young men with little combat experience!

There is a clarification that the "little combat experience" is not by the time DBP started, but when they entered the Legion. Most were veterans by the time the battle started.

And then there are those who choose to belief George Elford's "Devil's Guard" where the Foreign Legion's Waffen SS members were the only ones who did any fighting or achieved any success in Indochina. A propaganda pulp novel of the first order. -- Al