WWI Photo Identification (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

This is a gelatin print belonging to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. At present they only list it as "Group of Soldiers WWI era ?". My guess is this is a group of French motorcycle dispatch riders. I am wondering if anyone on the forum might be able to shed more light on it in terms of date and subject? For comparison I have attached the K&C Fields of Battle early WWII French motorcycle set.

 

[trooper]

Similar uniform was worn by the tank crews. There is a photograph in Uniforms and Equipment of the French Armed Forces in World War 1 by Coil showing exactly the same kit, the only difference being they are wearing berets instead of helmets.

 

[PolarBear]

Similar uniform was worn by the tank crews. There is a photograph in Uniforms and Equipment of the French Armed Forces in World War 1 by Coil showing exactly the same kit, the only difference being they are wearing berets instead of helmets.

Thank you that sounds promising. Would you be able to scan the picture and post it ?

I just checked Andrew Mollo's Army Uniforms of WWI and found the attached illustration by Pierre Turner. The only difference seems to be the boots of the officer rather than the puttees of the other ranks.

Randy

 

[trooper]

Here you are, Randy, hope it helps.

 

[PolarBear]

Here you are, Randy, hope it helps.

Thank you so much. I have forwarded the information to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and they will be updating their files.

May thanks for your help.

Randy