French Naval & Colonial Troops 1872–1914 (Men-at-Arms, 517)

After its humiliating defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, France looked overseas to rebuild its national prestige. New colonies were acquired in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean littoral, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Ocean. These new possessions were secured by the long serving professionals of France's Naval Infantry units, assisted by locally raised colonial troops. Many of these colonial formations would become reliable and effective combat units. Author Rene Chartrand provides a concise but informative overview in this Osprey Men-at-Arms Series book.The narrative quickly introduces France's new colonial period, followed by a discussion of the various units and where they served. The narrative is supported by some interesting period photographs and illustrations. Of note, the color plates showing uniforms and equipment are of an exceptionally good quality, and readers are encouraged to read closely the supporting notes. Well recommended as a good introduction to the topic.

GOOD READING

Cool time period, well documented, Osprey never disappoints.

He is a huge WW1 French enthusiast and we definitely needed one more book!

In the Osprey Publisher's stable of military writers, Rene Chartrand is their go to authority on the French Army. He understands the limitations and strengths of the Men at Arms format. Consequently, this book is succinct and very well written. The illustrations are well done and will the appetite of all those fascinated by the exotic uniforms of the French Colonial Army will be wetted.Now if you really want to own a great book French African and Colonial Army, be sure to check out Edouard Detaille's monumental work, "L'armee Francias". The English translation is hard as hell to read but oh the illustrations are something else. Edouard Detaille is probably the greatest military painter of all time. His many black and white illustrations are truly amazing! Rene Chartrand's book is an appetizer. The Detaille book is a gourmet meal.

Perfect reference book. Recommended.

very informative

Very good book on French colonial. And coloneys

Ce Men At Arms de 48 pages est un excellent résumé offrant un panorama qui me semble très complet des unités coloniales françaises créées dans la période couvrant l'expansion coloniale post guerre de 1870 jusqu'à la première guerre mondiale.L'auteur québécois René Chartrand, qui a déjà rédigé de nombreux Osprey de qualité sur les guerres Franco-Britanniques en Amérique du Nord, a articulé son livre de manière chronologique et thématique. Les principaux chapitres sont: Introduction: Colonialism Reborn, overseas territorial expansion; Chronology; Troupes de la Marine & Troupes Coloniales; Units raised overseas; Weapons and equipment; Select biography; Plate commentaries.M'intéressant de longue date à l'histoire de l'armée française, j'ai néanmoins appris pas mal de choses à la lecture de ce petit fascicule. La liste des unités supplétives et coloniales levées dans les différentes colonies françaises est particulièrement intéressante avec de nombreuses formations obscures dont j'ignorais l'existence comme les Tirailleurs Canaques, les Spahis Tonkinois, les Tirailleurs Gabonais ou encore les Tirailleurs des Frontières…L'illustration est de qualité, avec de très belles planches en couleurs de Mark Stacey qui changent agréablement des pauvres succédanés à base de Photoshop des publications récentes de chez Osprey. En outre, preuve que les recherches de l'auteur furent sérieuses, d'autres illustrations en noir et blanc issues de diverses collections privées permettent de découvrir de très intéressants profiles comme ce Marsouin en tenue de Chasseurs Alpin en Chine durant l'hiver 1900-1901 proposé page 42; enfin, et ce n'est pas toujours le cas chez Osprey, 3 cartes d'époque permettent de mieux situer les lieux mentionnés.En résumé, un très bon cru que ce Men At Arms.

I play historical wargames and I used this book to check details of the uniforms and how to paint my figures. Covered a very broad subject in the brief form of these books very well. Osprey books are always a good choice and a decent value.