France French Jacket

[AK101]

Looking for thoughts on this one....thanks...

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello :

This uniform looks OK to me. Jacket is typical of issue in 1951-56 worn during winter season in North Vietnam as this writer can confirm from experience.

It is outfitted for parade or similar occasion with the epaulettes in NCO version to which this caporal-chef was entitled. Unit is the 1er B.E.P.(1. Bataillon Etranger

des Parachutists))destroyed twice while in Indochina. It was renamed 1er R.E.P. (1.Regiment ...)when transferred to Algeria after rebuilding in Vietnam and was dissolved after the "events" of Spring 1961. It built a splendid record and the fouragere of the Medaille Militaire is testimony.

Bernhard H. Holst

formerly of the 1er R.E.C.in Vietnam

Edited December 29, 2009 by Bernhard H.Holst

[Paul L Murphy]

I suspect the badge is the 1 REP version, rather than the 1 BEP version. Can you show a clearer photo of the badge obverse.

A nice uniform group, it is a pity that we cannot put a name to it.

[AK101]

Here is the badge, thanks.

[Paul L Murphy]

The 1 REP were formed in 1955 (1 September to be exact) from the 1 BEP, and disbanded in April 1961 following their participation in an attempted military putsch in Algeria. They had badges made by both Drago (like yours) and Courtois.

[AK101]

The 1 REP were formed in 1955 (1 September to be exact) from the 1 BEP, and disbanded in April 1961 following their participation in an attempted military putsch in Algeria. They had badges made by both Drago (like yours) and Courtois.

Does the REP badge look good? is the Drago marking correct of the 55-61 period?

THANKS!!

[Paul L Murphy]

It looks ok. The reverse is correct for the period after about 1959 so it would be one of the later batches of badges made for the unit.

[Chris Boonzaier]

In the early 90s you got 2 four pocket jackets and had to take one to the tailer and get it cut down into one of these. The other one was used as a class A jacket