French Foreign Legion 1831–71

Written by a leading expert on the French Foreign Legion, this comprehensive study explores the uniforms and equipment used by the Legion in the first 40 years of their history. Featuring full colour artwork, this volume is an invaluable resource for modellers and wargamers of 19th century campaigns, as well as students of this famous international corps.

Concluding his bestselling series on the French Foreign Legion, Martin Windrow explores the formation and development of the Legion during its 'first generation'. Raised in 1831, the Legion's formative years would see it fight continuous and savage campaigns in Algeria, aid the Spanish government in the Carlist War, join the British in the Crimean campaign and fight alongside the Swiss in the bloody battles of Magenta and Solferino. With the ever-changing combat environments they found themselves in, the Legion had to constantly adapt in order to survive. Taking advantage of the latest research, this lavishly illustrated study explores the evolution of the uniforms and kit of the French Foreign Legion, from their early campaigns in Algeria through to their iconic Battle of Camerone in Mexico and their role in the Franco-Prussian war.