1917

The Defining Features: transition to the double-breasted greatcoat, full integration of the 'police' bonnet, greater use of the assault roll, and the permitted substitution of jacket for greatcoat in some combat operations.

The year of inner-crisis, protest and refinement. The High Command promises the French army the final victory it has fought so long to achieve. Even from the very beginning the poorly planned Aisne (Chemin-des-Dames) offensive is doomed to failure by the commanding generals negligence and arrogance. When the attacks end only in mass slaughter, parts of the French army in the rear areas 'mutiny' to protest the conduct of the war. Though peace is desired above all else, they realize that this could only be had by fighting on. They do call for certain changes: no more senseless attacks, better food at the front, improved rest periods and the establishment of a regulated system of regular leave. Though the 151^e was not one of the units involved in the protests, most poilus could at least sympathize with the 'mutineers'. Once the men's issues were addressed, the army went on by the autumn to launch several successful limited-offensives.

The uniform of '17 changes little from that of the previous year with the major exception of the greatcoat. At the end of 1916, the army began distribution of a double-breasted model which replaced the single-breasted one in 1917. Other changes in the soldier's gear continue to reflect the improvement of coordinated small-group tactics.

Photos and specs coming soon!