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Description
Shown here is the Great War French Tank Crewman loadout displayed in its entirety. This display photo includes both regulation items as well as common items a Veteran tankiste would reasonably have within the time frame of 1918. With the completion of this writeup I hope you have gained newfound knowledge and respect for the soldiers of the Artillerie Spéciale who did not have the privilege we have to wear their uniform in a purely educational and peaceful capacity. While reenacting does not give us the attached, constant, and profound social impact necessary to truly understand the citizen soldier's feelings of the time, what we can do as preservers of history is get as close as possible to this feeling through authenticity. Part of this is, of course, performed through understanding the history of their uniform and the 'why' behind its appearance. It is especially important in regards to the AS as their uniform would be developed at the frontline by the soldiers themselves. Thus, wearing the uniform as a reenactor provides greater insight into why the soldiers modified their kit more than any time period photo could. By far the best part of the hobby is reading a memoir or account of a tankiste complaining about a certain aspect of the uniform, and wearing the uniform and agreeing with their complaint 100 years later.

It honestly feels very cathartic to be at a stopping point in this impression that I feel is sufficient enough to both respect and teach the history of the AS with others. This kit is the product of years of pure research, long nights translating French documents, the stress of historical auctions, trial and error, dumb luck, consultation with experts in the field, and general all around effort in finding the right things to acquire. As a reenactor who specializes in the French tank corps of the Great War, I am glad to have shared this interest with you. Well until next time!

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

I believe it would be appropriate to end this deep dive into AS history with the words of General Estienne and his thoughts on the American Tank Corps from the May 1921 letter:

"General Estienne (who organized the Tank-Corps)
Inspector of the Tank-Corps
4 bis Boulevard des Invalides. Paris 26th - May 1921 -

"Madamoiselle;
I am much pleased to give you my view as a soldier of what we owe to the American help. Without this help, I don't believe Marichal Foch would have been able to effect the wonderful manoeuvre by which, in 4 months, he forced the enemy to a capitulation, unequalled since that of Carthage. From a personal point of view, as commander of an artillery attack in Lorraine, I have witnessed the action of the American Tank Corps together with our little Renault Tanks. Having witnessed their incomparable bravery, I am grateful for a renewed opportunity to express the affectionate admiration which the French Tank-Corps conceived on the Battle-Field for their American comrades continuing this same feeling in time of peace. With the expression of my respect, I am, Mademoiselle, etc. -"

Description
Shown here is the Great War French Tank Crewman loadout displayed in its entirety. This display photo includes both regulation items as well as common items a Veteran tankiste would reasonably have within the time frame of 1918. With the completion of this writeup I hope you have gained newfound knowledge and respect for the soldiers of the Artillerie Spéciale who did not have the privilege we have to wear their uniform in a purely educational and peaceful capacity. While reenacting does not give us the attached, constant, and profound social impact necessary to truly understand the citizen soldier's feelings of the time, what we can do as preservers of history is get as close as possible to this feeling through authenticity. Part of this is, of course, performed through understanding the history of their uniform and the 'why' behind its appearance. It is especially important in regards to the AS as their uniform would be developed at the frontline by the soldiers themselves. Thus, wearing the uniform as a reenactor provides greater insight into why the soldiers modified their kit more than any time period photo could. By far the best part of the hobby is reading a memoir or account of a tankiste complaining about a certain aspect of the uniform, and wearing the uniform and agreeing with their complaint 100 years later.

It honestly feels very cathartic to be at a stopping point in this impression that I feel is sufficient enough to both respect and teach the history of the AS with others. This kit is the product of years of pure research, long nights translating French documents, the stress of historical auctions, trial and error, dumb luck, consultation with experts in the field, and general all around effort in finding the right things to acquire. As a reenactor who specializes in the French tank corps of the Great War, I am glad to have shared this interest with you. Well until next time!

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣

I believe it would be appropriate to end this deep dive into AS history with the words of General Estienne and his thoughts on the American Tank Corps from the May 1921 letter:

"General Estienne (who organized the Tank-Corps)
Inspector of the Tank-Corps
4 bis Boulevard des Invalides. Paris 26th - May 1921 -

"Madamoiselle;
I am much pleased to give you my view as a soldier of what we owe to the American help. Without this help, I don't believe Marichal Foch would have been able to effect the wonderful manoeuvre by which, in 4 months, he forced the enemy to a capitulation, unequalled since that of Carthage. From a personal point of view, as commander of an artillery attack in Lorraine, I have witnessed the action of the American Tank Corps together with our little Renault Tanks. Having witnessed their incomparable bravery, I am grateful for a renewed opportunity to express the affectionate admiration which the French Tank-Corps conceived on the Battle-Field for their American comrades continuing this same feeling in time of peace. With the expression of my respect, I am, Mademoiselle, etc. -"