At the start of the war, the French Army was a huge organisation with a large standing army and three classes of reservists that could be called to the colours. This large manpower pool became necessary as the fighting of 1914-1917 took its toll and caused the French to draft men up to the age of 45 and look to its colonies for help. While the French army was organised much like the other armies of Europe, it had some distinct differences such as the makeup of the men who filled its ranks.

At the start of the war, most of the active units and mobilised reservists were from Metropolitan France, which is limited to mainland France and the islands nearby such as Corsica. France, like many other European nations, had mandatory conscription under which 21 year old men would be called to serve for a period of three years. Once finished with their active service commitment, the draftees would stay in the Reserve or Territorial Army until the age of 48.

THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS:

• Metal Infantry Figures
  • 1x Lebel Pistol Team (Formation HQ)
  • 5x Berthier Rifle Teams
  • 2x VB rifle Grenade Teams
  • 2x Chauchat MG Teams
  • 1x Flame-thrower Team
  • 1x 37mm mle 1916 Team
  • 1x Sniper Team

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These miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted