Foreign Legion in the Sahara

Jim McDougall · 25th August 2022, 06:44 PM

Exactly what I have been hoping for, analysis of the bayonets used by the Foreign Legion in Algeria in 1867-85, as per my views on the fictional setting for "Beau Geste" (publ.1924-26).
As I cited in the concurrent thread on European, on p. 20 of the novel,
"...lay the Commandant, and through his heart, a bayonet, one of our long, thin French SWORD BAYONETS with its single curved hilt".

In descriptions of the M1874 Gras bayonet, it is described as the last of the French SWORD BAYONETS, and was in use 1874 through c. 1889. (the preceding chassepot was a yataghan blade type sword bayonet).

While I am unsure of whether the Lebel was used in North Africa in the period suggested, it is well established the Gras 1874 was. The Lebel bayonet is termed of 'epee' type as the blade is of the section for thrusting as used in the epee of dueling style.

P.C.Wren was a vividly descriptive writer, and as a military man, seems to have a good command of military dialogue. While British, there are some ideas he may have at some point actually served in the Legion, but that is unconfirmed. In any case he did spend some time in North Africa.

fernando · 25th August 2022, 06:46 PM

In the movie ...

.

Jim McDougall · 25th August 2022, 07:20 PM

Hard to tell by the scene, is this the 1926 film or the 1939? Whatever the case great close up, and sure looks like an epee blade. It seems often the case that movies dont follow the book, and as we have seen the books dont always follow the actual events, costume, arms etc. to the letter.
Interesting to see the kinds of weaponry used in the early film industry, for example in the Zorro movies they wanted to depict dueling with cup hilt rapiers but actually used period fencing sabers.
As the 'Rosalie' bayonets were easily available to the movie studios with all the surplus circulating, it makes sense.

fernando · 25th August 2022, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Hard to tell by the scene, is this the 1926 film or the 1939? .

1939 ... with Gary Cooper. The one they say that in equipment and scenes was a general good replica of the pretended period.

25th August 2022, 06:44 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,581	Exactly what I have been hoping for, analysis of the bayonets used by the Foreign Legion in Algeria in 1867-85, as per my views on the fictional setting for "Beau Geste" (publ.1924-26). As I cited in the concurrent thread on European, on p. 20 of the novel, "...lay the Commandant, and through his heart, a bayonet, one of our long, thin French SWORD BAYONETS with its single curved hilt". In descriptions of the M1874 Gras bayonet, it is described as the last of the French SWORD BAYONETS, and was in use 1874 through c. 1889. (the preceding chassepot was a yataghan blade type sword bayonet). While I am unsure of whether the Lebel was used in North Africa in the period suggested, it is well established the Gras 1874 was. The Lebel bayonet is termed of 'epee' type as the blade is of the section for thrusting as used in the epee of dueling style. P.C.Wren was a vividly descriptive writer, and as a military man, seems to have a good command of military dialogue. While British, there are some ideas he may have at some point actually served in the Legion, but that is unconfirmed. In any case he did spend some time in North Africa. Attached Images

25th August 2022, 06:46 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	In the movie ... . Attached Images

25th August 2022, 07:20 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,581	Hard to tell by the scene, is this the 1926 film or the 1939? Whatever the case great close up, and sure looks like an epee blade. It seems often the case that movies dont follow the book, and as we have seen the books dont always follow the actual events, costume, arms etc. to the letter. Interesting to see the kinds of weaponry used in the early film industry, for example in the Zorro movies they wanted to depict dueling with cup hilt rapiers but actually used period fencing sabers. As the 'Rosalie' bayonets were easily available to the movie studios with all the surplus circulating, it makes sense.