A French poilu standing on the trench duckboards of the Ardennes line — greatcoat buttoned, Adrian helmet, Lebel rifle slung at the ready. Period: World War I, 1914-1918.
From late 1915 the French infantryman wore the bleu horizon greatcoat (model 1915) over a wool tunic and trousers, with a steel casque Adrian in place of the soft kepi. Duckboards (caillebotis) covered the trench floor to keep men out of the standing water that defined Ardennes winters. The rifle was usually the bolt-action Lebel 1886/93 or its lighter Berthier variant. This figure stands in the natural watch posture: weight on the back foot, rifle across the body, head turned toward the parapet line. Pose is alive, not parade.
Painting tips
- Greatcoat: French horizon-blue (lighter pale blue-grey) with darker recess wash.
- Helmet: matching blue-grey, mud at the rim.
- Boots & puttees: dark brown leather, heavy mud at foot.
- Duckboards: wet timber grey-brown.
Historical sources & further reading
- French Army uniform regulations 1915
- Verdun / Argonne field photography
⚠ Small parts. Not suitable for children under 14.
