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dinsdag 16 augustus 2016

The 1940 French Rifle Platoon


Introduction

For this post on the French army’s Nord-Est platoon, a somewhat different layout is used compared to the previous posts. 

Since multiple excellent manuals and secondary sources are available to me, it is possible to describe the French platoon in incredible detail.


It is my view that a different layout is necessary due to the large amount of text that is translated.



As such, the first part of this post consists of extracts from the main source, followed by the text itself in French. Next, a translation is given, with notes where applicable. As always, it should be kept in mind that some terminology cannot be perfectly translated, as it is unique to the doctrine and philosophy of the French army.



These extracts are divided into two categories, that is, those concerning the platoon and squads as a whole, and those concerning the LMG group in particular.



As this layout of image, French text, and translation with notes is rather lengthy and not terribly useful to get a quick overview, the second part of this post will describe the platoon, squad, and LMG group much like as in previous posts. Particular detail is paid to the light machine gun group, as some confusion may arise from the translations.



After this, the complicated topic of French armaments is described in detail, followed by a conclusion.



Prologue

As a source for this post, we will use the “Manuel du grade d’infanterie”, dated October 1st, 1939, as issued by the Ministry of War.



This 1184-page tome covers everything from the Ruby pistol to 81mm mortars, and provides the infantryman with a comprehensive guide on all military matters.


 
The platoon and squad translated

It is page 23 which sheds some light on the squad and platoon formations of the French army.






































Composition détaillée de certaines unités.



Groupe et section de fusiliers-voltigeurs,



Le groupe comprend :



1 sergent chef de groupe ;

1 caporal-adjoint ;

1 demi-groupe de fusiliers (1 tireur, 1 chargeur et 3 pourvoyeurs) ;

1 demi-groupe de voltigeurs (1 premier voltigeur, 3 voltigeurs, 1 grenadier V.-B.) .



Effectif : 12 (dont 1 sous-officier) .



La section se compose de :



1 chef de section ;

1 sous-officier adjoint ;

1 caporal V.-B. ;

1 observateur ;

1 agent de transmissions ;

3 groupes de fusiliers-voltigeurs.



Effectif : 41 (dont 1 chef de section et 4 sous-officiers).



Translation



Detailed composition of certain units.



Rifle squad and platoon,



The squad is composed of :



1 sergeant squad leader ;

1 corporal-assistant [squad leader] ;

1 machine gun half-squad (1 gunner, 1 loader and 3 ammunition bearers) ;

1 rifle half-squad (1 senior rifleman, 3 riflemen, 1 V.B. [rifle] grenadier)



Number : 12 (Of whom 1 NCO)



The platoon is composed of :



1 platoon leader

1 NCO assistant [platoon leader]

1 corporal V.B. [senior rifle grenadier]

1 observer

1 messenger

3 rifle squads



Number: 41 (Of whom 1 platoon commander and 4 NCOs).



It is very important to note that the translations of  “demi-groupe de fusiliers” and “demi-groupe de voltigeurs” are rather rough translations. Instead of half-squads it is perhaps better to call them (fire)teams. I have translated the first as machine gun, because this is the role this team has, i.e. operating the machine gun. Likewise, the role of the second team is that of a rifle team.



However, fusilier actually translates to rifleman or infantryman, and voltigeur translates to skirmisher or light infantryman.



For the formations used by the squad, we turn to page 433, where a somewhat different wording of the roles is used.









Furthermore, the line formation is achieved by simply swinging out the single file to the right, in such a way that the structure switches from front to rear to left to right.



A few of the translations require some extra explanation. The phrase “Homme de base” is literally translated as base man, but in proper English, he acts as the base of fire. The voltigeur ravitailleurs are the 2nd and 3rd “pourvoyeurs” / ammunition bearers. Finally, the phrase “file-closer” is too literal of a translation as well, but it essentially means that the corporal brings up the rear.


As one would expect from such an extensive manual, the tools carried by the infantry are not forgotten. They are illustrated on page 573, whilst pages 574 and 575 show the amount of tools carried by the platoon.





 In a somewhat more readable fashion, this would lead to the following table


All of which translates to


It is important to note that the platoon leader, as an officer, does not carry any tools.



The light machine gun group translated

Below, pages 235 through 238 are translated paragraph by paragraph.


It is these pages which present us with an incredibly detailed view of the LMG team, down to the tools carried by the individual.








































Chargement des fusiliers (1).


Caporal adjoint au chef de groupe de combat.


203. Equipement. – Equipement ordinaire.


Dans les cartouchières de droite :


– 45 cartouches pour fusil.


Dans les cartouchières de gauche :


– le crochet éjecteur et l’écouvillon de chambre.


Sur le dessus du sac (maintenu par les petites courroies) :


– l’appareil pour le tir repéré.


Dans les poches à munitions du sac :


– 3 boîtes-chargeurs (2 dans la poche gauche, 1 dans celle droite).


Dans la poche à munitions droite (arrière) de la musette :


– le correcteur pour le tir contre avions enveloppé dans des chiffons.


Dans le dispositif de transport de la béquille (musette) :


le support pour le tir vertical.


Armement. – Fusil avec 45 cartouches.


Outil. – Hache à main portative.


(1)  Les prescriptions ci-après s’appliquent à l’équipement modèle 1935. En ce qui concerne l’équipement modifié, voir la notice provisoire pour l’emploi de cet équipement, du 23 septembre 1934.





Translation





Load of the “riflemen” (1).


Corporal assistant squad leader.


203. Equipment. – Standard equipment.


In the right pouches :


– 45 cartridges for the rifle.


In the left pouches : 


– ejector hook and chamber brush.


On top of the bag (Held in place by straps) :


– the device for indirect fire. [i] [ii]


In the ammunition pockets of the bag :


– 3 magazines (2 in the left pocket, 1 in the right pocket).


In the ammunition pocket right (rear) of the musette :


– AA sight wrapped in cloth


In the carrying device for the stand (musette) :


AA mount.


Armament. – Rifle with 45 cartridges.


Tool. – Axe.

(1)  What is described below applies to the equipment model 1935. Concerning the modified equipment, see the provisional pamphlet for employing that equipment, of September 23rd 1934.


This last note is very important. Though I have not been able to find the mentioned pamphlet, I do have in my possession a 1964 manual on the F.M 1924 M. 29, which provides some clarity. Please see the LMG paragraph further down.





































Tireur.


204. Equipement. – Equipement ordinaire.


Dans la cartouchière de droite :


– l’étui aux accessoires garni.


Dans celle de gauche :


– des chiffons
 

Dans la poche à munitions gauche de la musette :


– 2 boîtes-chargeurs


Dans celle de droite : 


– 1 boîte-chargeur et des chiffons
 

Dans le dispositif spécial de la musette :


– la béquille.


Armement. – Fusil-mitrailleur avec gaine et bretelle.


Outil. – Bêche portative.





Translation



 

Gunner


204. Equipment. – Standard equipment.


In the right pouches :


– the case with accessories.


In the left pouches :


– cloths.


In the ammunition pocket left of the musette :


– 2 magazines


In the ammunition pocket right of the musette :


– 1 magazine and cloths.


In the special device of the musette :


– Monopod


Armament. – Light machine gun with scabbard and sling.


Tool. – Spade.




































Chargeur


205. Equipement. – Equipement du modèle général ;

toutefois, les cartouchières de droite sont remplacées par un étui de pistolet, avec boucle, dé demi-rond et patte d’arrêt.


Au ceinturon, à gauche :


– la baguette de nettoyage dans son étui.


Dans les cartouchières de gauche :


– le pinceau, la burette et des chiffons.


Dans les poches à munitions de la musette :


– 4 boîtes-chargeurs.


Dans les poches à munitions du sac :


– 6 boîtes-chargeurs.


Armement. – Pistolet automatique avec 3 chargeurs garnis.


Outil. – Pelle-pioche.





Translation





Loader


205. Equipment. – equipment of the common model ;
however, the right pouches are replaced by a pistol holster, with a buckle, half-round and stop tab.


On the belt, to the left :


- the cleaning rod in its pouch.


In the left pouches :


- the brush, the (oil) bottle, and cloths.


In the ammunition pockets of the musette :


- 4 magazines.


In the ammunition pockets of the bag :


- 6 magazines.


Armament. - Semi-automatic pistol with 3 magazines.


Tool. – Pickaxe































Pourvoyeur.


206. Equipement. – Equipement du modèle général.


Dans les cartouchières de gauche :


– l’appareil à garnir les boîtes-chargeurs.


Dans celle de droite :


– 45 cartouches pour fusil.


Dans les poches à munitions du sac :


– 2 trousses de 75 cartouches sur lames-chargeurs.


Dans la poche de la musette :


– 4 boîtes-chargeurs.


Armement. – Mousqueton (ou fusil de 7mm,5) avec 45 cartouches.


Outil. – Bêche portative (1er et 2e pourvoyeurs), serpe (3e pourvoyeur).





Translation





Ammunition bearer. – Equipment of the common model.


206. Equipment.
 

In the left pouches :


– magazine loader.


In the right pouches :


– 45 cartridges for the rifle.


In the ammunition pockets of the bag :


– 2 ammunition cartons of 75 cartridges of stripper clips


In the pocket of the musette :


– 4 magazines


Armament. – carbine (or 7.5mm rifle) with 45 cartridges.


Tool. – Spade (1st and 2nd ammunition bearers), saw (3rd ammunition bearer).


It is important to note that the below image shows the allotment of ammunition with old style equipment.

 










































As the above table shows the allotment of ammunition for the old style equipment, the below image shows the allotment of ammo under the new system with Model 1935 equipment as per 1964, from the “Notice sur le Fusil-Mitrailleur Modèle 1924 M. 29”.






































The platoon and squad summarized

The rifle platoon consists of 3 squads lead by the platoon HQ, itself composed of a leader, platoon sergeant (also acting as a second-in-command), senior rifle grenadier, observer, and messenger.






The platoon (From David Lehman)



The platoon leader is an officer or quite possibly a cadet or NCO. As such, he can hold the rank of lieutenant (1st lt.), sous-lieutenant (2nd lt.), aspirant (cadet), adjudant-chef, or adjudant. The latter two ranks are somewhat harder to translate, but are NCO ranks, roughly equivalent to a U.S. master sergeant and sergeant major respectively. (Alternatively, warrant officer 2 and 1 for the Commonwealth equivalents).



As an officer, he carries a pistol, which may be the modern M1935, or a WWI vintage Ruby or Star. Additionally, a pair of 8×24 periscope binoculars and a compass are carried. Ammunition carried was 3 magazines for any of the pistols.



The platoon sergeant is a sergent-chef (sergeant first class) and carries both a rifle and a pistol, whilst his tools consist of a hand periscope and compass. When it came to ammunition, he was equipped with 90 rounds of rifle ammunition and 3 magazines for his pistol.



The next man in the platoon HQ is the senior rifle-grenadier, a caporal (corporal), who is equipped with rifle and VB grenade launcher. Ammunition was 90 rounds of rifle cartridges, and 8 VB grenades. As for his tools, a saw and folding rule are carried.



The observer is a rather curious role in the platoon HQ, as he does not seem to carry any actual observation equipment. Nonetheless, he is assumed to be an enlisted man, and is equipped with a rifle, 90 cartridges, and pickaxe.



Finally, there is the messenger, armed with a rifle, 90 cartridges, flare pistol (With 14 flares), and spade. Much like the observer, he is assumed to be an enlisted man.



The squad summarized

The squad number 12 men, and can be divided into a rifle and LMG group of 5 and 6 men each, leaving the squad leader in charge.






The squad (From David Lehman)



The squad leader holds the rank of sergeant, and carried a rifle, 45 cartridges, a flare pistol, a compass, hand periscope, and wire cutters.

For the flare pistol, 14 flares were carried. When the squad is equipped with the Mle 1924 equipment, the squad leader carries a single magazine, loaded with 25 armour-piercing rounds. If the squad uses Mle 1935 gear, three magazines are carried, of which one is assumed to be loaded with AP ammunition.



The rifle group summarized

The rifle group was made up of 5 men, and consisted of a senior rifleman (The so-called premier voltigeur, literally “first rifleman”), three riflemen, and a rifle grenadier.



The senior rifleman was equipped with a rifle, 90 cartridges, a magazine for the machine gun, three hand grenades and a round shovel.



Next were the three riflemen, who carried a rifle as well, 90 rounds of rifle ammunition, a magazine for the LMG, three hand grenades, and two VB grenades. Two riflemen carried a pick, whilst one carried a round shovel.



Finally, there is the rifle grenadier, equipped with a Lebel or MAS36 rifle and VB grenade launcher. For his rifle 90 rounds were carried, whilst for the VB he carried 8 grenades in a special musette. Finally, he carried a pickaxe.



The light machine gun associated equipment

As has been noted during the translation, both Mle 1935 equipment and Mle 1924 equipment is in use. The text itself sows some confusion, as the first table titled “Munitions de fusil-mitrailleur portées par le groupe de combat.” is based on the 1924 equipment, whilst the text concerns itself with 1935 equipment. This can cause some confusion, which I have done my best to clear up.


As can be clearly seen, only 10 magazines are allotted to the loader in the text. In the table “Munitions de fusil-mitrailleur portées par le groupe de combat.” however, the loader is given 13 magazines. This is indeed the load given by another source, namely the “LE B.P.E.S.M. et Les Armes Automatiques de L’Infanterie” dated 1934.



LE B.P.E.S.M. et Les Armes Automatiques de L’Infanterie, page 278




































As this document dates from February 27th 1934, we can safely assume this is the layout under the pre-1935 system.


Taking a look at the musettes and havresacs themselves using information from the http://armesfrancaises.free.fr and the musée de l’infanterie sites, the following can be quoted from the former:


“34 à 35 chargeurs (toutes troupes hors Cavalerie et aéroportés), 25 chargeurs (troupes aéroportées),


Nota: le tireur et le chargeur emportent dans les musettes et havresacs un certain nombre de chargeurs en plus de leurs équipements (béquille, nécessaire de nettoyage, pièces de rechanges etc...) le reste des chargeurs est réparti entre le chef de groupe et les autres soldats (caporal adjoint, pourvoyeur, voltigeurs-ravitailleurs...). La capacité d'emport d'un groupe de combat est donc théoriquement de 1325 cartouches.


emport des chargeurs (hors Cavalerie et aéroportés): 


havresac porte-chargeurs en toile modèle 1924 pour 8 chargeurs ou 4 trousses de 75 cartouches, soit une capacité d'emport de 200 cartouches en chargeurs ou 300 cartouches en trousses par havresac,


musette porte-chargeurs en toile modèle 1924 pour 6 chargeurs, soit une capacité d'emport de 150 cartouches par musette.[iii]


All of which translates to: 


34 to 35 magazines (all troops except cavalry and airborne troops), 25 magazines (airborne troops),


Note: the gunner and the loader keep a certain number of magazines in their musettes and bags, in addition to their equipment (monopod, cleaning kit, spare parts etc.) the rest of the magazines are distributed between the squad leader and other ranks (Corporal assistant [squad leader], ammunition bearer, supplying riflemen). The carried amount of a squad is therefore in theory 1325 cartridges.


Carrying of the magazines (except cavalry and airborne troops):


Magazine carrying bag from canvas model 1924 for 8 magazines or 4 cartons of 75 cartridges, thus a capacity of 200 cartridges in magazines or 300 in cartons per bag.


Magazine carrying musette from canvas model 1924 for 6 magazines, thus a capacity of 150 cartridges per musette.


Additionally, the musée de l’infanterie states the following when it comes to the havresac and musette: 


La dotation du groupe de combat est de 4 havresacs et 3 musettes.[iv]


Which translates to: The allotment for the squad is 4 bags and 3 musettes.


Therefore, I would like to suggest the following for the light machine gun group under the pre-1935 system (i.e. using Mle 1924 equipment):


The group leader carries all the tools as stated above in the original text, but instead of 3 magazines, uses his M1924 musette to carry 2 magazines and the machine gun related items. 


The load for the gunner remains the same, 3 magazines, which are stored together with the tools in the M1924 Musette.


For the loader, both a M1924 musette and M1924 bag are issued, with the bag completely filled with magazine (8 magazines) and 5 out of 6 pockets in his musette filled. The final pocket is used for his machine gun related items.


The load for the ammunition bearers remains as is, and all are issued with M1924 bags, carrying 2 cartons and 4 magazines.


Finally, the amount of ammunition carried by the sergeant is decreased by 2 magazines down to a single magazine, whilst the load for the riflemen remains the same.


This layout is the most logical, with all musettes and bags allotted according to the first table “Munitions de fusil-mitrailleur portées par le groupe de combat.” whilst still leaving room for tools in said musettes and bags. The total number of rounds carried still amounts to 1325.


The light machine gun group summarized

Leading the LMG group is a corporal, equipped with a rifle, 45 cartridges, and an axe. As ammunition for the LMG, he carries either 50 rounds (Mle 1924) or 75 rounds (Mle 1935) of ball ammunition for the LMG. For the LMG he carried an ejector hook, chamber brush, device for indirect fire, AA sight, and AA mount.



The gunner carried the F. M. 1924 M.29 with 75 armour-piercing rounds. For entrenching purposes, he carried a spade, whilst for the LMG he carried tools, cloths, and the rear monopod.



To support the gunner in loading the weapon, a loader is assigned. He carries a pistol with 3 magazines, 325 or 250 (Mle 1924 and 1935 respectively) cartridges of LMG ammo, a pickaxe, cleaning rod, brush, oil bottle, and cloths.



Finally, the LMG group had three ammunition bearers, each with a carbine in 8mm, or (short) rifle in 7.5mm. They carried 150 rounds in 2 75-round packages each, and 4 loaded magazines, for a total of 250 rounds. To load these packages into magazines, they were all issued magazine loaders. To support the machine gun when it needs to be entrenched, two spades and a saw are issued to the three ammo bearers.



To summarize all of the above in two tables:


 

Armament: Rifles

Much like with the machine gun team, the matter of French rifles is a complicated one. The different rifles and carbines which equipped the French forces was quite bewildering. Essentially, the rifles in use represent over 50 years of small arms development.



The oldest rifle in the inventory of the Armée de Terre is the Lebel 1886 M. 93. This rifle, a 1893 modification of the 1886 Lebel, was a revolutionary weapon by the time of its introduction, and one of the greatest steps forward in small arms history. Although to be precise, it was the cartridge, not so much the rifle. The Lebel holds the honour of being the first rifle to use a smokeless powder cartridge, 8×50mmR Lebel.






Fusil Mle 1886 M. 93 “Lebel”



Although revolutionary in 1886, by the time of World War I it was somewhat outdated, the most noticeable flaw being the tube magazine, which made for a slow loading rifle, and more importantly for development, limited the potential of shorter variants.



As such, the Berthier carbines were developed for the French artillery, cavalry, and gendarmerie. These were the carabine 1890 and mousqueton 1892.






Mousqueton Mle 1890, the original Berthier carbine



Following a request by the ministry of the colonies for a rifle, the Berthier carbine is modified in 1902 to “Indochinese” rifle model. By 1907, this “Indochinese” model is lengthened again to make a “Senegalese” model. Following the start of the war, in 1915, the 1907 Berthier is modified to accept a standard Lebel bayonet, leading to the 07-15. [v] [vi]



It should be noted that all of the above rifles have a 3-shot capacity, which was seen as a flaw, especially considering how the Germans issued 5-shot rifles and carbines. As such, another modification is created, providing the Berthier system with a 5-shot capacity, whilst still providing backwards compatibility with 3-round clips. For new rifles, the proper designation would be Mle 1916, whereas modified rifles are designated Mle 07-15 M. 16 [vii]






Fusil Mle 1916 “Berthier”



As this modification could also easily be applied to the carbines, this was done as well, leading to the 5-shot Mousqueton Mle 1892 M. 16 if applied to a 1892 carbine, or Mousqueton Mle 1916 if the entire weapon is newly produced. [viii]



This is however, not the end of the Berthier. After the introduction of the 7.5×54mm, the Berthier was modified to accept this new round. In addition, the barrel length was reduced from 780mm to 580mm. Thus, in 1934, the 5-shot 07-15 M. 34 was born. [ix]



With the introduction of the 7.5×54mm cartridge, a dedicated rifle was created as well. This was the Mle 1936, more commonly known as the MAS36. This rifle was meant to replace all other rifles and carbines in the rifle platoon, although this most certainly had not happened by 1940. The rifle was mainly issued to the elite units such as mechanized and motorized infantry. [x]






The MAS36 with its distinctive spike bayonet



For the regular infantry, the most common rifle was the Berthier Fusil Mle 1916. The Lebel was also was used, especially for launching rifle grenades, and for sniping in conjunction with the APX Modèle 1921 scope. [x]



All that being said, one would think that covers the issue of French rifles completely. There is however, still the matter of semi-automatic rifles. In World War I, the French were the first nation to issue a semi-automatic rifle in large numbers. These rifles would be the Mle 1917 and Mle 1918, sometimes called the RSC 1917 and 1918 respectively. Around 90,000 of these rifles were produced, and they were issued to the best riflemen of some platoons. [x]






The Mle 1918



The 8×50mmR ball ammunition was designated Balle D. This consisted of a 198-grain bullet sitting on top of 46.3 grains of powder, for a muzzle velocity of 2300 and 2090 feet per second from rifles and carbines respectively. In metric terms, this is equivalent to 12.8 gram bullet with 3 grams of powder, whilst the velocity is 701 and 637 metres per second.



For the 7.5mm weapons, the Mle 1929 C round was available in ball and armour piercing variants, the latter for the LMG.



As a relatively light projectile, the 139-grain bullet was propelled to 2789 feet per second by 42.4 grains of powder. For the LMG, with its shorter barrel and gas-operated mechanism, the velocity was somewhat lower at 2690 feet per second. Using the metric system, this all comes down to a 9 gram bullet with 2.75 grams of powder, for a muzzle velocity of 850 and 820 metres per second.



Although no specification of muzzle velocity is giving, the AP ammo would be marginally slower, as it used the same powder charge in conjunction with a 145-grain (9.4 gram) bullet.



As has been made abundantly clear, the French had quite the variation in armament. The below table gives a short summary of them.



Armament: Pistols and revolvers

When it came to sidearms, the situation was somewhat simpler, yet in no way entirely straightforward. Much as with the rifles, the weapons can be divided into pre-WWI, WWI, and post-WWI categories.



The oldest weapon still in inventory in 1940 was the Mle 1892 revolver. This six-shooter weighed 0.792 kilogrammes, and had a length of 235mm with a 4.7 inch barrel. The revolver was odd in the fact that its cylinder swung out to the right, so as to facilitate quicker reloading for cavalrymen.





Mle 1892 revolver


The ammunition used was 8×27mmR ball ammo, which was loaded with a 120-grain bullet propelled by 4.6 grains of powder. Muzzle velocity was approximately 738 feet per second. Once again, for those outside of the US, this means a 7.8 gram bullet sitting on top of 0.3 gram, whilst the muzzle velocity is 225 metres.



By the time of World War I, the French attempted to replace this revolver with two semi-automatic pistols, those being the Star and Ruby pistols. Both pistols originate from Spain, more specifically, the Basque country. Both designs were blowback-operated .32 ACP pistols loaded by detachable magazines. Of these two, the Ruby was issued in larger numbers.



The Star pistol weighed approximately 0.668 kilogrammes and has a length of 190mm with a 4.7 inch barrel. The magazine capacity is 7 rounds.







Pistolet Automatique Type Star



The other pistol, the Ruby, was modelled on John Browning’s M1903. As such, it has the typical slide fully enclosing the barrel, as is common on modern pistols. It has a 9-round magazine which is released by a European-style heel-release, as opposed to the American thumb button.

With a length of 150mm and a 3.2 inch barrel, the pistol is quite compact. Nonetheless, it weighs 0.810 kilogrammes.





Pistolet Automatique Type Ruby



The .32 ACP ammunition used was called the “Cartouche a balle de 7.65.” and consisted of a 71-grain bullet over a charge of 3 grains of propellant. In metric terms, this means a 4.6 gram bullet with a 0.2 gram powder charge. A muzzle velocity is not given.



As the observant reader may have noticed from the last post, the French had issued a design request for a “High-Power” pistol. In response to this, the Belgians at FN Herstal had developed the excellent Browning High-Power. As is not uncommon with design competitions, domestic weapons are favoured, and as such, the French adopted the M1935A even though it did not meet the requirements. [xxi] [xxii]






M1935A



Starting in 1937, the French fielded this weapon, although it should be noted that by 1940 it had in no way fully replaced the older handguns still in use.

It was a Browning-style tilting barrel semi-automatic pistol with an 8-shot capacity. It had a weight of 0.730 kg, and was sized as a typical combat pistol being 195mm long with a 4.3 inch barrel.



The ammunition was called the “Cartouche a balle de 7.65 L.” and was a 7.65×20mm cartridge. The L in the name stands for “Longue” i.e. long, to distinguish it from .32 ACP. The bullet weight was higher at 88 grains compared to the .32 ACP’s 71. The powder charge was similarly heavier, at 5 grains. Muzzle velocity is approximately 1000 feet per second. Finally, for the metric equivalents, we are looking at a 5.7 gram bullet flying at around 305 metres per second due to its 0.35 gram charge.



To give a brief overview of the pistols: 



Armament: Fusil-Mitrailleur 1924 M. 29

The much-discussed light machine gun of the French squad is the Fusil-Mitrailleur 1924 M. 29, with the M. standing for Modifié, i.e. modified. The original design was adopted in 1924 to replace the problematic Chauchat. The weapon saw service in its original form (Chambered for 7.5×58mm Mle 1924C) during the Rif War, where it was discovered the weapon could accidentally chamber 7.92×57mm Mauser, with disastrous results. As such, by 1929 the weapon was rechambered to the shorter 7.5×54mm Mle 1929C. [xxiii]






The F.M. 1924 M. 29



The F.M. was not unlike the Madsen or Bren machine guns, in that it had a top-mounted detachable box-magazine, in this case holding 25 rounds.. The weapon weighed in at 8.93 kilogrammes, unloaded and without its monopod. It is a relatively short light machine gun, at 1070 millimetres long with a 19.7 inch barrel. The loadout has been described in detail in the above paragraphs.



The following weights are provided by the manual:

















Armament: Grenades

Finally, there is the matter of grenades. 3 were issued to each of the 4 riflemen, and they could be either O.F. or F. 1. grenades. The latter should not be confused with the Russian grenade of the same name.



The Manuel d’Infanterie describes the O.F. as an offensive grenade with a 0.3mm thick tin body weighing 35 grams. The explosive charge can be either 150 grams of chlorate or nitrate, 105 grams of NTMX, 110 grams of Amatol, or 120 grams of TNT.



The weight with fuse is 250 grams, the average range it can be thrown is 30 to 35 metres with a blast radius of 8 to 10 metres. The grenade is coloured greyish blue.





As a defensive grenade, the F. 1. was available. The body of this grenade was itself heavier than the entire O.F. grenade, at 510 grams. The undefined explosive charge was somewhat smaller at 60 grams, and the total weight was 660 grams.



It could be thrown 25 to 30 metres, and had a blast radius of more than 20 metres. Much like the O.F., it was painted grey-blue.







Finally, we have the rifle grenade, simply called the Grenade V.B..



This rifle grenade weighs 490 grams with 60 grams of undefined explosives. It is considered a defensive grenade, i.e. one with a considerable fragmentation effect. At an angle of 50 degrees, the maximum range is 170 metres. The fuse is activated when the round is fired, and lasts 8 seconds. It should be noted that a ball round was used to fire the grenade, and there is a clear opening visible in the picture below, through which the bullet can pass.





The manual states that the effectiveness of the V.B. can be increased by grouping the three grenadiers together under the command of the senior rifle grenadier. As such, they can coordinate their fire on a single target, for a bombardment of grenades.



Conclusion

Given the fact that this post is roughly three times as long as the previous posts, it is hard to give a concise conclusion. What we can say with certainty, is that the French platoon’s small arms could vary greatly. Indeed, the weaponry used can be clearly divided into pre-WWI, WWI, and post-WWI equipment, each category designed based on vastly different attitudes towards warfare, grounded in the experience of the era.



In 1940, the French army was still in the process of re-equipping with more modern armaments, a process which was not completed until after the war. In addition to switching over to 7.5mm rifles, 31,000 submachine guns had been ordered. [xiv]

Furthermore, a 50mm mortar was being introduced to replace the V.B. grenade launcher. [xv]



One clear problem in the platoon as a result, especially in lower-priority units, were the two different calibres issued for the rifle and light machine gun. As a result, a single squad could carry both 8×50mmR and 7.5×54mm. Needless to say, this complicates the supply of ammunition.



On a tactical level, the platoon was very clearly an evolution of the WWI platoon. In the final two months of World War I, the French had moved away from two “mixed” squads to three “universal” squads, composed of a light machine gun and rifle/grenade team. It was this layout which is still seen in the 1940 squad. [xvi] Even more so, a squad divided into a grenadier-voltigeur and fusilier-mitrailleur team has been the French standard ever since, seeing use even today. [xvii] [xviii] [xix]



All in all, the defeat of the French army can hardly be attributed to any of its tactical aspects, be it organization or small arms. Indeed, the problem was mostly one of strategic, political, and diplomatic choices made after World War I.






For a majority of the Interbellum, a large portion of the French military budget, already strained by the Great Depression, was spent on the Maginot Line. This line of fortifications, stretching roughly from Switzerland to Luxembourg, was intended to buy the French time in case of another war with Germany. These fortifications also forced the Germans through the Ardennes, a region thought to be impenetrable by tanks. In hindsight, this was a grave miscalculation, and the French paid for it dearly. [xx]






Free French Legionnaires at Bir Hakeim, 1942



Although France was defeated and occupied, a government-in-exile was formed to carry on the fight, led by Charles de Gaulle. These Free-French forces would go on to fight in Africa, Normandy, and Southern France, eventually liberating Paris and growing to be the 4th largest Allied army in Europe. [xxi]  







The Liberation of Paris by French troops



In the next post, we will take a look at the British Expeditionary Forces of 1940.
________________________________________________________________________


Sources:


Manual: Personal collection



The main source used is the Manuel du grade d’infanterie



For technical specification on the weapons and ammunition, both the German Kennblatter Fremdes Geräts and the http://armesfrancaises.free.fr site were used.



For the LMG and related topics


Translation: For the translation, my own knowledge of the French language was used. Regrettably, I have not come across any military dictionaries which translate French to English.



Images



Most images are from the Manuel du grade d’infanterie



The weapon pictures, excluding the FM24/29, are from the German Kennblatter Fremdes Geräts.



The picture of the French flag is public domain, and taken from the following link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_France#/media/File:Flag_of_France.svg



The picture of the FM 24/29 is used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, and is taken from:  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/LMG_24_29_2.JPG



The picture of the Maginot line is used under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported and taken from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maginot_Line_ln-en_svg.svg



The picture of the battle of Bir Hakeim is public domain and taken from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Free_French_Foreign_Legionnairs.jpg  



The picture of the liberation of Paris is public domain under US law, and taken from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Crowds_of_French_patriots_line_the_Champs_Elysees-edit2.jpg



[i] http://armesfrancaises.free.fr/FM%20Mle%2024-29.html Based on my interpretation of this site’s pictures and the term
























[ix] Kennblätter fremden Geräts, D 50/1, Handwaffen, Kennnummer 241 01 (f), Gewehr 241 (f)



[x] David Lehman, 1939-1940 French Armament, page 56, December 5, 2005









[xiii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FM_24/29_light_machine_gun

[xiv] David Lehman, 1939-1940 French Armament, page 57, December 5, 2005



[xv] David Lehman, 1939-1940 French Armament, page 70, December 5, 2005







[xix] MANUEL D'EMPLOI DE LA SECTION D'INFANTERIE, INF 202, 18th of June 1999