The Basics - Where to Start

The following is a general guidelines for new recruits in their pursuit of collecting the French infantryman's kit. Please keep in mind that our main impression is of a late-war (1917-1918) French infantryman; the list below reflects this aim. Mid-war (fall of 1915 to 1916) impressions are acceptable but not encouraged until first acquiring the late-war kit. For the sake of practicality, items of the kit have been prioritize into three main categories in terms of their relevance for what we do: basic, secondary and optional. Please be aware that some of these items can be lent out to new recruits on a per-event basis while they begin the slow process of collecting their kit. See our list of approved vendors.

To start though, the first three mandatory items every new recruit should acquire are: helmet, boots and greatcoat. Ideally, each recruit should start building his kit off of this foundation. See the Tips On Sourcing Helmet, Boots & Greatcoat page here for more information.

Infantryman 1917-18. This is the basic kit needed in order to field.
**Click here to see full descriptions of all items.**

Basic Uniform:

1. la Capote (Greatcoat) - M. 1915.
2. la Pantalon-Culottes (Culotte-Trousers) - M. 1915.
3. les Bandes Molletières (Leggings) - M. 1910.
4. les Chaussures (Ankle Boots) - M. 1912/16 or M. 1917.
5. la Casque (Helmet) - Adrian M. 1915.
6. le Bonnet de Police (Police Bonnet) - M. 1891/1915, M. 1915 or M. 1918.
7. la Chemise (Shirt) - M. 1878.
8. le Caleçon (Underdrawers).
9. la Cravate (Neck Tie).
10. le Ceinture de Flanelle (Flannel Waist-Wrap).
11. les Chausettes (Socks).
12. les Bretelles (Suspenders).

Basic Equipment:

1. les Cartouchières (Cartridge Pouches): M. 1888/14, 1905/14 or 1905/16.
2. le Ceinturon (Belt) - M. 1903/14.
3. le Porte-Baïonnette (Bayonet-Carrier) - M. 1886/14.
4. les Bretelles de Suspension (Suspension Braces): M. 1892/14.
5. le Bidon (Canteen) - M. 1877. (2-liter)
6. la Musette (Haversack) - M. 1892.
7. la Gamelle (Mess-kit) - M. 1852.
8. le Quart (Cup) - M. 1852. Tinned metal.
9. la Cuillère (Spoon) - Polished iron.

Secondary Uniform Items:

1. le Képi (Kepi) - M. 1914/15.
2. la Vareuse (Jacket) - M. 1914/15, type 2.

Secondary Equipment Items:

1. le Masque à Gaz (Gas Mask) - M. M2 or ARS-17.
2. la Toile de Tente (Tent Canvas) - M. 1897/14.
3. la Demi-Couverture (Half-Blanket).
4. l'Havresac (Backpack) - M. 1893/14.

Infantryman 1917-18, in full field dress.

Optional Uniform/Equipment Items:

1. les Demi-Supports & les Piquets (Half-Supports & Stakes). M. 1908 half-supports.
2. l'Outil Portatif (Portable E-Tool). M. 1906 or M. 1909.
3. les Ustensiles de Campement (Squad Camping Impliments).
4. la Peau de Mouton (Sheep-skin).
5. le Tricot (Quilted Garment).
6. le Couteau de Tranchée (Trench Knife) or la Casse-Tête ("Head-Breaker" or "Trench Club").

Arms:

1. le Fusil (Rifle): Lebel, M. 1886/93 or Berthier, M. 1907/15 (3-shot) or M. 1907/16, a.k.a. model 1917 (5-shot)
2. l'Épée-Baïonette (Blade-Bayonet): M. 1886 (with quillon, or "catcher") or M. 1886/15 (without quillon)

Full Descriptions:

Basic Uniform
Basic Equipment
Secondary Uniform/Equipment
Optional Uniform/Equipment
Arms