Blue horizon

Color blue gray used for the Uniform S of the French home troops of 1915 with 1935, date on which it is replaced by the khaki .

History

In 1914, the French Army is equipped with Capote S of color known as " iron bleuté" gray; and of pants and kepi of color known as " garance" name of the element of dyeing. Very visible by far, these uniforms are completely unsuited to the new weapons which are the Mitrailleuse S, soldiers being made cut down in great remote number.

The French command, informed on the need for its soldiers for raising discrete colors, do not choose the khaki one, but blue horizon. One thinks indeed that a soldier sees himself initially by far, therefore close to the line blue of the sky. These uniforms are produced since 1914, and are distributed starting from the end of 14 /d ébut 1915. The colonial Troops and the Foreign legion are they equipped with uniforms yellow-Mustard.

Blue horizon quickly becomes the symbol of the " Hairy " First World War. The Room blue horizon, in 1919, made up of conservatives concerned “to make pay Germany”, is affublée of this nickname.

At the beginning of the century, the war of Boers drew the attention of the majority of the staffs of the world to the need for reforming military clothing. All the great powers draw from them indeed the conclusions, except France. This reform relates to the colors which must be less conspicuous, but also the cut of the uniform and its parcelling. The French infantryman is not only too locatable, but it is also somewhat empêtré.

It is good to announce that if the uniform did not undergo modifications, the French thought of the question. One is even surprised to learn that between 1903 and 1914, there were in France more tests of new behaviors of neutral colors (blue, beige gray blue or reseda) that in any other country. But no reform is followed of adoption. The only firm instructions date only of July 27th, 1914, but it is too late. They will not be applied that after the battle of the Marne, in September 1914. The uniform " blue horizon " exist already in August 1914… but remains in the paperboards.

The shortly after the victory of the Marne, the staff thus leaves to research a more suitable behavior. Its choice is made finally on a blue cloth, of which it remains to determine the nuance. A dyeing containing indigo is finally elected to give famous blue horizon. This cloth is actually a mixture of white wool (35%), dark blue wool (15%) and of clear blue wool (50%).

See too

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