French Army Encyclopedia

The best specialists in French fortification have associated their encyclopaedic knowledge and their documentation, to compose the most extraordinary piece of work that has never been published before on the Maginot line. This first volume (there will be four volumes on the fortress) covers the North-East works creations and buildings. As far as troops are concerned, each one of the 41 fortress infantry regiments (RIF) which has existed between 1935 and 1940 is explained in details with its insignia and its distinctive marks. The 172nd Strasbourg RIF is a typical example for the study of those crack troops characteristics (flag, sappers, music and fanfare, pennants, etc.). This is done thanks to a stunning documentation of that period (photos and watercolours) which has been collected by Pierre Bréteigner, a senior from the lower Rhine regiment.

The most complete catalog ever published on the French Maginot Line blockhouses, casemates and pillboxes, complete with all and every detail on internal equipment, armament, turrets, etc, plus a comprehensive review of all artillery and engineers troops manning the fortress which faced Germany in 1940. (French edition only)

The detailed situation of the Maginot Line, in 1939-40, with the complete list and mapping of every single blockhaus, casemate and ‘ouvrage‘, plus the six weeks of campaign fought inside and around the Maginot Line in May-June 1940. A fascinating page of History, featuring 800 illustrations. (French edition only)

History, insignia, uniforms and equipment of the Army of Africa’s horsemen of French origin, with emphasis on WWI and WWII. From the thirties, the Chasseurs d’Afrique have been motorized and this outstanding book also features the complete coverage of their AFVs, including the very rare vehicles used in the ‘bled’ along with the Foreign Legion. (French edition only)