Army of Africa (France) - Uniforms

Uniforms

The uniforms of the various branches making up the Army of Africa ranged from the spectacular "tenue orientale" of the Spahis, Tirailleurs and Zouaves to the ordinary French military dress of the Chasseurs d'Afrique, Foreign Legion, Artillerie d'Afrique and Infanterie Légère d'Afrique. Even the latter units were distinguished by details such as sashes, white kepi covers and (for the Chasseurs) fezs which made them stand out from the remainder of the French Army. Some of these features have survived as parade dress to the present day; notably the white cloaks and red sashes worn by the 1st Spahis, and the white kepis and blue sashes of the Foreign Legion. The "fanfare-nouba" (regimental band) of the 1st Regiment of Tirailleurs still wears the full traditional "tenue orientale"; comprising white turbans, light blue zouave style jackets braided in yellow, red sashes and wide light blue or white Moorish trousers.