Gendarmes (French)

Description

During World War II, French gendarmes faced a difficult situation balancing loyalty to their country and obedience to occupying German forces. The armistice agreement of 1940 limited the size and equipment of the gendarmerie. The Germans also ordered them to aid with various policing tasks. These included maintaining public order, enforcing curfews and rationing, and arresting resistance fighters. However, not all gendarmes collaborated willingly with the Nazis. Some of them joined the resistance movement, and helped to sabotage German operations, gather intelligence, or protect civilians.

One of the most controversial aspects of the gendarmerie’s wartime role was involvement in the deportation of Jews to concentration camps. The Vichy regime, which collaborated with Nazi Germany, adopted anti-Semitic laws and policies that targeted Jews living in France. The gendarmerie had orders to round up and transport Jews to transit centres. Jews suffered harsh conditions and family separation at these transit centres, such as Drancy, before their deportation to Auschwitz. Many gendarmes followed these orders without question, while others tried to avoid or resist them, sometimes at the risk of their own lives.

After the liberation of France in 1944, the gendarmerie underwent a process of purging and reforming. The authorities tried and punished some gendarmes who had worked with the Nazis, but they reinstated or honoured others for their activities in the resistance. The gendarmerie also reorganized its structure and missions, becoming more integrated with the armed forces and expanding its territorial coverage and responsibilities. The legacy of the gendarmerie during World War II is complex and nuanced, as it reflects the diversity of attitudes and actions among its members in a time of crisis and occupation.

• Model: Gendarmes
• Country/Army: French
• Dimension (mm) (WxLxH): 28mm
• Material: UV Cured resin
• Original Designer: Colonel Muller
• Painted by: MarDav Miniatures
• Model supplied unassembled and unpainted. Additional finishing may be required during assembly. 
• Finished colour of the product may vary from images shown.
• Photos and dimensions are at 28mm unless noted otherwise.
• All dimensions are complete with weapons unless otherwise stated.
• Other scales and dimensions may be available upon request