This release sees the French army entering into the fray, with the introduction of our first new nation since February. The initial platoon includes an officer team, medic team, two different rifle armed infantry squads, a sniper team and an mmg team. As well as the foot sloggers, heavier support is provided by the 75mm M1897 howitzer and teh Panhard 178 armoured car.
In addition, we also offer a French infantry platoon bundle of all of the above models. This is available at a very reasonable discounted price and free UK shipping. This is the ninth of our platoon bundles, in addition to the Japanese, Italian, British, 8th Army, German, Winter War Soviet, Finnish and Soviet platoons already released.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
Officer
The French high command of 1940 may have been ponderous at times and still fighting the static war of 20 years earlier, but at the sharp end, French officers were just as good as those of any army. When given the opportunity many stepped up and at least gave the invaders a good run if not a sound beating.
Medic
As with all armies, the French made good use of medics to ensure the survival of their men. As well as trained surgeons behind the lines, front line medics and stretcher bearers saved the livs of many French soldiers.
Rifle squad
Armed with a variety of bolt action rifles, some dating to the 19th century, but also supported by the Chatellerault M24/29 light machine gun and often a dedicated rifle grenadier, a French infantry squad was a flexible unit in assault and defence. However, the sheer size of the French army, combined with its rapid expansion meant that the level of skill and experience between units could vary considerably, with some running almost at the first shot and others holding out to the last bullet.
Sniper
Equipped with the Luentte Modele 1921 bolt action rifle, French snipers were excellent at thinning out the ranks of enemy officers and gun crews.
Medium machine gun
As with the British and the Vickers machine gun, the French Army was still using its WWI era Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun at the outbreak of WWII. In addition to the unusual 24 round strip magazine, it was also capable of using a belt feed and could reach 450 rounds a minute.
75mm Light howitzer
The “Canon de 75 modèle 1897” (variously also called the “French 75”, “Soixante-Quinze” or simply 275”) was a French field gun originally designed in the late 19th century. At the time of introduction, it was one of the most advanced pieces of artillery in the world, and is widely thought to be the first modern artillery piece. This is due to a hydro-pneumatic recoil system, which allowed for sustained and accurate fire of between 12-15 rounds a minute at a time when other artillery had to be realigned after each shot and could fire 1-2 rounds a minute accurately.
Conceived as an anti-personnel weapon, it saw action in WWI as one of the primary guns for use with gas shells, as well as being the main armament of the Saint-Chamond. The US also purchased and used it during WWI.
It was already venerable by WWII, yet was still in use and was deployed against advancing Panzers during the Battle of France. A number had been sold to Poland and it was the most numerous artillery piece in the Polish Army. After the fall of France a number were also used by Germany, and the British purchased some from the US after Dunkirk and the loss of so much equipment.
Panhard 178
Developed during the mid 1930s, the Panhard 178 was a 4×4 armoured car used by the French during WWII. The 178 was comparable to its contemporaries, with around 20mm of armour and a 25mm light anti-tank gun in a turret. It had a good road speed of 45mph, but relatively poor cross country capability with a top speed of 26mph and limited obstacle crossing ability.
After the Fall of France, many Panhards were captured by Germany and used throughout the war, particularly on the Eastern Front.
Around 1150 were built in total and were still in use during the Vietnam War.
We hope that you found this little bit of background history and that soon our models will be reinforcing your French armies!
Looks great! Any plans for a Chinese force at some point?
Currently not, but you’ll see them here if we do!