France 1940 reenactors (1 Viewer)

[binder001]

Here is a link to some photos of reenactors who are doing a very unusual subject, the French forces from 1940. Some fascinating vehicles and interesting equipment. It's interesting to see these in color.

Link;
http://www.minitracks.fr/montcornet_2010.htm

Gary B.

 

[jazzeum]

Apparently, this commemorated the Battle of Montcornet on May 14, 1940. This was one of the few successes of the French Army in beating back the Germans. French troops were under De Gaulle's command.

 

[Scott]

Amazing that the uniforms and gear are still around. I image there are repros for some gear. The Poles reenact the Warsaw uprising as well.

 

[aujj65]

Here is a link to some photos of reenactors who are doing a very unusual subject, the French forces from 1940. Some fascinating vehicles and interesting equipment. It's interesting to see these in color.

Link;
http://www.minitracks.fr/montcornet_2010.htm

Gary B.

And I thought us British had some odd looking vehicles!

Jeff

 

[desk11desk12]

Here is a link to some photos of reenactors who are doing a very unusual subject, the French forces from 1940. Some fascinating vehicles and interesting equipment. It's interesting to see these in color.

Link;
http://www.minitracks.fr/montcornet_2010.htm

Gary B.

Thanks Gary,

Carlos

 

[lancer]

Many thanks for posting, Gary. This is one of the more interesting re-enactment groups I've seen. -- Al

 

[Peter Reuss]

What's the purpose of the two small rubber wheels on the front of many of the vehicles?

 

[jazzeum]

There would seem to be many ideas for K & C's FOB range in this video.

 

[binder001]

What's the purpose of the two small rubber wheels on the front of many of the vehicles?

My guess is that they are unditching wheels. Not unlike the purpose of the steel rollers initially fitted to the US halftracks and the M3A1 scout car. The idea would be that as the vehicle drove down into a depression in the ground that the wheels or roller would be the first thing touching the opposite bank, keeping the front of the vehicle from digging in and getting stuck.

The French likely came up with the idea and the US got the idea from them. It's not often appreciated how much the US Army of pre-WW2 was influenced by the French Army.

Gary B.

 

[lancer]

My guess is that they are unditching wheels. Not unlike the purpose of the steel rollers initially fitted to the US halftracks and the M3A1 scout car. The idea would be that as the vehicle drove down into a depression in the ground that the wheels or roller would be the first thing touching the opposite bank, keeping the front of the vehicle from digging in and getting stuck.

The French likely came up with the idea and the US got the idea from them. It's not often appreciated how much the US Army of pre-WW2 was influenced by the French Army.

Gary B.

Good point, Gary. It is not much remembered at this point, but the French Army came out of WW1 with a huge reputation for winning and therefore being THE army in Europe and the world. They were thought of as the strongest and most advanced thinking army, also. Several different factors combined over the inter-war years to make this perception incorrect and the Germans then destroyed the image for good. It is really fascinating history to see how the French went from their position of the biggest and best in immediate post WW1 to the disaster of 1940. -- Al

 

[Grognard]

Well the French didn't think that the German would go through Belgium, Netherland and Luxembourg (all neutral countries) to attack France hence they just built the Maginot line mostly in front of the Eastern part of France which became useless since the German went around..

 

[jazzeum]

You also have to remember that most German generals were quite conservative and Guderian's plan to go through the Ardennes with a few armored divisions was not well regarded by many German generals and there were quite a few arguments within the General staff. However, doing bold strokes is something that appealed to Hitler. If you look at the numbers of soldiers and vehicles the French had at their disposal compared to what the Germans had, if you were a betting man, you would not have bet on the Germans. However, a general malaise had set in France and the French Army was no exception.

 

[Cyber Field Marshall]

Very cool post. The French had some really unique looking vehicles. The French army and their equipment is something I'm very unfamiliar with. I guess because they weren't in the war long their stuff is forgotten however I've got to believe the Germans must have taken and used a lot of their vehicles. From these pictures you can really see the similarities of their equipment design to many German, British and even American equipment.

 

[Scott]

I think that this postcard is late 30s judging by the womam's hair and dress. Tiny Tank!

 

[lancer]

I think that this postcard is late 30s judging by the womam's hair and dress. Tiny Tank!

I believe that tank is the Renault 17, a WW1 model that the French kept in use long after it became obsolete. It was large enough for only it's two man crew and a machine gun or short barreled 37mm. -- Al