King & Country · First World War · FW064
FW064 contains three French infantrymen marching with rifles and fixed bayonets. Red trousers, dark blue coats and red-topped kepis give the group its unmistakable early-war appearance. The men have individual marching poses and carry their packs and rolled equipment rather than stripped-down fighting loads.
The historical setting
The French soldier’s familiar nickname, poilu, is associated with the Great War, but the army’s appearance changed sharply during it. These red-trousered men belong to its opening visual chapter, before horizon-blue clothing and steel helmets became characteristic. Their equipment also recalls the constant marching that accompanied deployment and maneuver, even in a war remembered mainly for trenches.
Review
Three related but distinct poses make a more convincing small marching group than repeated copies of one figure. The long bayonets and packs give it a strong silhouette. Its particular appeal is the 1914 uniform ensemble; it is less suitable for representing the French army of Verdun without changing the historical setting.
Reference: FW064 release reference. Review observations are based on the product reference photographs.
Related figures: FW061 · General Foch · FW067 · Poilu Attending to a General’s Horse.
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