Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Combat
5. Equipment .
a. Individual Clothing and Equipment.
(1) Clothing.
(a) Foreign Legionnaires .
The dress of these men is
the kepi (cap) with curtain in back, blue coats > white trousers, low
"boots. /
from them
-
in 19^1 had two of their winter issue of three blankets requisitioned
leaving them but one apiece for the approaching winter.
The French infantryman is armed with a rifle or. carbine
which fires an 8 mm.' bullet and is equipped with bayonet. Officers
carry an automatic pistol firing a: 7- 65 caliber bullet. The rifles
i>
s
&
' ' '
.
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0 "\u25a0
. \u25a0
\u25a0
\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0 -; :\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0 \u25a0-,\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0\u25a0
'
\u25a0
•'\u25a0
'15
and carbines weigh about seven pounds. The pistol weighs. .a little
over two The rifle and carbine have a practical range of
1,200 feet; the pistol, 150 feet. A rifleman can fire with accuracy
eight to ten rounds per minute, depending, of' course, on his degree
of skill.
Both rifle grenades and hand grenades are carried, The
former has a. range of 15Q yards and the latter 30 yards.
Bayonets of the long French type are carried by foot
soldiers with rifles or carbines. ,
Cavalry and artillery are armed with the same types of
personal weapons. Other branches are armed with pistols or rifles as
described above.
"b* Organizational.
. (l; Tanks So far as known there are no tanks with the
\u25a0• \u25a0
'
.
units stationed in Morocco. , \u25a0
c. \u25a0 \u25a0
Tactical Equipment.
JTy Artillery. French artillery in Morocco is composed of
(al
Modern 155 m. Howitzers;
105 mm. guns;
75 J^o1* horse drawn;
65 mm. horse drawn.
These guns include one mountain or pack artillery
(b) C.A.
group .
155 mm* long and marine guns;
7.6-inch (19^ mm.) guns;
5.^- inch (138 mm. ) guns ;
Two 155 mm.. R.R. guns, suspected;
3.9-inch (100 mm.) guns;
2. 95- inch (75 mm. ) guns
(c). A_._A L
90 mm. long A.A. guns;
37 mm. long A.A. guns;
13.2 mm. machine A.A. guns
The 13.2 mm. A.A. is mounted on a tripod with a seat for
the gunner on one leg. The piece consists of two identical barrels
laid parallel so that one gun is really two.
Many of the coast defense guns are in naval gun turrets
with all around traverse or in concrete emplacements.
The coast defense has recently been improved with all
guns being put into shape, new ones set up, and all concrete requisi 7 \u25a0
Combat
16
(3) Machine Guns. Besides the heavy ,13.2. mm. machine guns
guns -
mentioned a"bove, the army in Morocco has a number of Hotchkiss
8 mm. "bullets. This gun- is also mounted. on a tripod with a 1
wide traverse and is of the air cooled type. The gun and stand to
gether weigh ahout 10 U pounds, the gun a"bout 53 pounds. The gun fires
200 rounds per minute and can "be laid directly or indirectly. When
laid, "by the former method, it is effective up to 1,600 yards, and when
laid "by the latter method, it is effective up to 3>SQO yards. It
can also "be use,d against airplanes up to 1,000 yards away.
It is thought that there are not over 500 machine guns
in all Morocco at present, including those which have "been overhauled
and those which are to "be overhauled, according to unconfirmed data*:.'
{k) Automatic Rifles. There are thought to "be between 900
and 1,000 automatic rifles in all French Morocco.
These guns weigh approximately 20 pounds and fire a.
7.65 calrber "bullet. The magazine contains 25 rounds. Their fire
is effective up. to 1,200 yards and their rate of fire in "bursts is
150 rotmds per minute. A "burst of six to seven rounds is the usual
method of fire.
Direct and indirect fire is possible and a front of from
"between 50 to 1,000 yards can "be interdicted.
The gun has two short legs near the muzzle for support,
as it is usually fired from the prone position. However, it can "be
fired at airplanes up to 600 yards away. There is a cone shaped
shield, over the muzzle to camouflage the flash.
(5) Heavy Weapons , other than Machine Guns
(a) 37 ffon° gun. This is a close support weapon and
\u0084
.
is mounted on wheels with a trail piece, like a miniature French
75 mm., model 1897* The piece, recoil mechanism and "breach are the
same as the 37 mm. sub-cairber piece it is the custom to attach
to the "barrel of our 75' s for sub-caliber practice; (i.e., there is
a self-cocking mechanism operated "by the recoil action,' and the gun
is single loading). It has a flash camouflaging cone over the muzzle.
The gun itself weighs 88 pounds, the carriage v
88 pounds and the shield 66 pounds, giving the complete piece a total
weight of 2*4-2 'pounds. . .
FRENCH MOROCCO
Combat
17
a. Training
(l) Schools.
.
(a) French officers receive their training in France
at the military school of St. Cyr.
1. Officers of the Metropolitan Army Serving out
side France. Allofficers theoretically have to serve abroad accord
ing to a roster kept at the Ministry of War. Therefore, some Metro
politan Army officers from St. Cyr. and other schools are always on
duty in French Morocco. \u25a0
Combat
18
Combat
19
c. . Efficiency.
(l) Officers. Generally speaking, officers are keen and
zealous and take a great interest in the welfare of their men. Rela
tions "between officers and men are excellent* They are not strict
disciplinarians of the Prussian type. Officers are professionals
and know their "business on the whole.
Officers of the "Service dcs Affaires Indigenes" are
particularly well trained and the standard of discipline and efficiency
in their commands is excellent. They must "be "both excellent military
men and good civil administrators. Observers who have reported on
their work-in the unpacified parts of the country are full of praise.
(2) Men.' In general, the army of North Africa, including
Morocco, Is an efficient and well organized fighting machine. The
troops have repeatedly proved their worth, 'both In Morocco, which
they may Justly claim to have conquered, and in the European wax of
191^-18. They have always distinguished themselves.
A war-like existence hag endowed the Mo ores and Berber
with excellent military qualities. They are warriors "by nature and
possess in a high degree the characteristics of the perfect infantry
man: sobriety, endurance, stamina, agility, discipline. They have
natural ability for surprise attacks, are stubborn at defense, Impet
uous in attack, and furthermore, they have an admirable Instinct to
take the best advantage of -cover, both In advance and retreat. Troops
formed of such soldier material are excellent, provided, they -are
commanded by experienced officers with distinct leadership ability.
They are best handled, through personal influence and. prestige of .their
leader which is obtained by constant display of ability, fairness
and above all, courage.
The black soldier is treated with great patience and
indulgence, more like a child, than a grown- up human being; in fact,
FRENCH MOROCCO
Combat
20
it may "be said, that patience is the keynote of the French method of
dealing with the natives, soldiers and civilians alike. As a result,
desertions are few and the men appear contented.
The Foreign Legion supplies the "best troops in Morocco.
At present their -well known efficiency has .'"been slightly reduced "by
the exodus of German N.C.O's from their ranks. However, the French
and Spanish refugees who now swell their ranks make good fighters
and the above handicap is fast "being overcome.
The French soldiers in-Morocco are very much like their ,
counterparts in France. They are excellent and efficient soldiers
but lack the supplies and equipment necessary to make an excellent
army.
(3) Combat Efficiency and. Value as a Whole.
(a) Native Troops.
1. Moroccan units are considered best for shock
troops. They are composed of Berbers, who the French consider the
best soldier material to be found in their entire empire. They are
natural fighters like the Senegalese, but without the complete de
pendence on the white officers that marks the latter. Their value
as a whole is high, but they have had little or no experience with
or against armored units. This is an important factor and must be
considered so.
2. Senegalese or colored troops: These men are
noted for their bravery, fidelity and natural soldierly qualities.
They are extremely willing, fairly intelligent, and get on well with
other types of native regiments. Their weak points appear to be
inability to grasp or master anything intricate, a natural addiction
Combat
21
The army, as a whole, does not want to fight. They know that
they lack the arms and supplies to put up anything "but a futile
resistance to German armored divisions. However, it is felt that
if ordered "by Vichy to defend North Africa, they would do so against
all attackers.
As regards loyalty to Vichy:
\u25a0
They willno doubt follow their officers and fight whom they are
directed to fight.
that the Vichy Government, being held prisoner by Germany, would not
be loyally trying to shake off the German yoke if they took up arms
FRENCH MOEOCCO
Combat
22
7. Mobilization Plan.
a. Method of Recruitment.
(l) Officers. French officers are sent out from France and
are either Metropolitan or Colonial officers. The latter group,
while coming from the same schools as the Metropolitan, form a dis
tinct and autonomous corps. Allofficers theoretically have to
serve abroad according to a roster kept at the Ministry of War. The
period of service in a colony or protectorate varies from two to
three years. Students at military schools apply for the Colonial
Army at the end of their course but may not "be sent abroad till they
have completed six months commissioned service.
Natives can become officers in Metropolitan North
African regiments but cannot rise above the rank of captain unless
they become Frenchmen by naturalization.
At present no native can become an officer in a Colonial
regiment unless he is naturalized* Naturalized natives have been
known to attain comparatively high rank but such cases are very
exceptional and, as yet, natives are not usually considered suitable
for commissioned rank. It is the intention, however, to train
specially selected native N.C.O's, as an experiment, with a view to
their becoming officers.
There are some officers In Morocco, demobilized since
the Armistice, who will undoubtedly be mobilized to officer men
returned to the army in the event of war.
(2) Men. There is no conscription in Morocco; all troops
therefore, are volunteers. These serve two, three or four years in
the active army and eight, seven or six in the reserve, making a
total of ten years. Extension of service is permitted for a further
four years, and in exceptional cases, for one, two or three years.
Natives are liable for service overseas.
N*
ika
FEENCH MOEOCCO
Combat
23
equipment .
is necessary to do the .harvesting now by teams and old fashioned
Combat
2k
8. Theory of Combat.
FRENCH MOEOCCO
Combat
25
Combat
26
Group 26 13 13
Squadron 12 . 6 6
v
FRENCH MOROCCO
Combat
n
ORGANIZATION OF THE AIR ARMY IN MOROCCO
(Since April 18, 19^2)
:
—
Eesponsfble to Chief of State
" -*J
Besponsi"ble to Chief
of Gov't.
~J—
i ~i t r~~i
i
__—_ i .-•\u25a0\u25a0..
\u25a0
of North Africa
r .
(Algiers)
; , — I
France and the other Colonial
Air Commands)
of Morocco* of Algeria
of Tunisia
Wing (2 or 3 Groups)
Squadron
* Note: The general officer having territorial
- command of the area is
&lso the immediate: coajimamder' of. the' Alt*Ddvisdon'locateTd. •
-
titererj Ifav&j oar. of the largest =anit in tike area;, \u25a0: aueii.*as
•
•
.
tiie; Air Brigade.
** Note: All troops, services and operational units, stationed at a
military airdrome are commanded "by an Air Base Commander, who
is also the immediate commander of the largest air unit there.
FRENCH MOROCCO
Combat
28
Casablanca
'.
' 13 Douglas DB-7 l/32
Rabat 15
24
L.E.0.-i+s
Curtiss 75-A (l)
l/22
Rabat
•
1/5
Marrakech \u25a0
Combat
29
102 Fighters
\^h."Bombers
28 Reconnaissance aircraft
15 Transport aircraft
60 Fighters
26 Bombers
15 Eeconnaissance
33 Naval aircraft
111. NAVY
11. Personnel.
\
'
a# Naval effectives vary according to the number of
Active.
ships in port. The. latest estimate as of March 18, 19^2, Is that
there are a.bout 11,500 men of the French navy manning ships and coast
defenses in Morocco.
12. on ,
Organ! zat i
Combat'
31
2 Light Cruisers
-
are installed, k planes.
"GLOIRE"; completed 1935; 7,600
tons; 51 knots; 9-6" guns, 8-3.5" A.A., k tor
pedo tubes; k planes .' "PRIMAUGUET" ; completed.
1926; 7,2^9 tons; 33 knots; Q~6% \ guns, U-3" guns;
3 Destroyer Leaders
-
13- Training, Efficiency and Morale. The enlisted men and officers
are well trained and efficient and should not be underestimated. They
are frequently called upon to convoy merchant ships to Dakar and to
France. Submarine personnel are kept up to maximum efficiency by the
patrol operated along the coast, four of which are usually engaged in
this work at a time.
The higher ranking officers of the French Navy, while not pro-Axis,,
are definitely anti-British. They are Darlan men and can be counted
upon to obey the Admiral's orders and would no doubt attempt to repel
an allied threat of occupation in Morocco, Lower ranking officers and
the enlisted personnel, while perhaps sympathetic to the Allied cause,
'
\u25a0would probably obey the orders of their superiors.
I^. Naval Air Force. .As this force is small, it has been combined
with the Army Air Force under that heading in this estimate.
FRENCH MOROCCO
Combat
32
IV. GEOGRAPHIC
corridor
-
west Africa, and is connected "by road and railroad
with the western Mediterranean ports of
through a natural
Oran, Algiers,
Bizerte and Tunis, as well as with the smaller eastern ports of Sousse,
Sfax and Gates.
French Morocco to the north is vulnerable to land attack from
Spanish Morocco around the eastern and western ends of the practically
impassable Rif Mountain range. The threat at the eastern end of these
mountains would be especially serious if the Mediterranean entrance
at Gibraltar were to be denied to supplies from overseas, as the vital
overland communications between the Atlantic ports of Morocoo and the
Mediterranean areas of Algeria and Tunisia can be decisively cut in
the vicinity of Oujda.
"k* Mountains .From the sea at Agadir and Tiznit in the south,
in a northeasterly direction to the borders of Algeria on the north,
Morocco is divided by the great chain of the Atlas mountains. This
chain is divided into three main parts: the Anti-Atlas, the High
Atlas, and the Middle Atlas, in that order from south to north. The
Anti-Atlas and the High Atlas run inland from the sea, the former
from Tiznit and the latter from Agadir. Between them lies the valley
of the Sousse river. -The valley gradually narrows as it proceeds in
land until itbecomes a mere pass at high altitude leading to. the
Sahara Plateau. The Middle Atlas branches off from the north side
of the two ranges mentioned before they join the plateau. The Middle
Atlas then proceed northeastward until they reach the Taza Valley, in
the north, which separates them from the Rif Mountains which proceed
southward over the border from Spanish Morocco. This narrow valley
is the main corridor of communication between Morocco and Algeria and
Tunisia.
c. Rivers .
There are numerous small rivers originating in the
Atlas watershed, which flow across the coastal plain to the sea. The
two most important are the Sebou and the Sousse. The former runs
down the western end of the Taza valley and separates the Middle Atlas
from the Rif Mountains, finally flowing into the Atlantic Ocean at
Port Lyautey. The latter flows down the Sousse Valley between the High
and Anti-Atlas Mountains, through Taroundant and flows into the sea a
few miles below Agadir.
d. Valleys and Plains .
(l) The coastal plain extends from Mogador on the south to
FRENCH /MOROCCO-
Combat
\J^*- . 33
Tiznit
—
on the south. Only two rivers need be crossed, between Agadir and
the Oued Sousse and the Oued Massa. The soil in this area is
of reddish color and said to be of very firm consistency.
South of Tiznit, inland, from Spanish Ifni, to Goulimine, the
landscape is veined and threaded by a network of dried-up river beds,
cactus plant growth,, etc. Great difficulty would be experienced in
establishing landing fields for aircraft in this area. Directly south
of Tiznit, the Anti-Atlas approach the sea. South of these mountains
the terrain becomes flat and arid with many dry river beds with no
bridges. The surface is solid, however, and. would support the largest
motor trucks of a meehaaized'colikHisi*