The following are a
selection of photographs of models making up my Cold War French army,
specifically from the early 1980's. Unless stated otherwise the models are from Navwar
The French are my second NATO army, the first being the West Germans. My initial aim with the French is to construct a Cold War army modelling a French Armoured Division with selected corps assets. Later it will be expanded to model elements drawn from the 6th Light Armoured Division which can be used in Cold War scenarios in Central Europe or potential low intensity operations following the Cold War.
To the left, two platoons of AMX-30s deployed near a village. |
During the 1980s a French armoured division was similiar in size to a heavily reinforced brigade or weak division of other NATO nations. It comprised around five or six fighting regiments. Each regiment being similiar to a large battalion. Each armoured division contained two or three armoured regiments each equipped with AMX-30 tanks. Each regiment fielded four tank companies. In Modern Spearhead each of these companies has three or, in the case of the 1st and 3rd Divisions four tank stands. In addition each armoured regiment has a single company of infantry in AMX-10P Infantry fighting vehicles. |
The Navwar AMX-30 model is well cast and full of detail. In my collection they have a base coat of Humbrol 102. This is a lighter green than I would normally have used but the shade has produced a pleasing result. Dry brushing was completed with Humbrol "Stone". A liberal coating of mud was then applied to the tracks and lower parts of the model before an application Tamiya "Smoke" wash which highlights the finely cast detail.
| Each
French Armoured Division also fielded two mechanised infantry
regiments supporting the Tank Regiments.
Front line units in the early 1980s were primarily equipped with AMX-10P Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). As with the armoured regiments, each mechanised regiment is a combined tank and infantry formation. Of the four companies that form the regiment two contain infantry in AMX-10Ps and two contain a mix of AMX-30 tanks and infantry in AMX-10Ps. |
 |
In Modern Spearhead terms the infantry are effective. Not only is the AMX-10P a capable weapons platform with it's 20mm cannon but the infantry are equipped with a number of powerful Milan ATGWs by the early 1980s. However, if you are using the Modern Spearhead Scenario System, with its associated points system, this fire power comes at considerable points cost.
 |
I therefore have taken the option of reinforcing the standard mechanised regiments by a further regiment, transported in the VAB. The VAB regiment was added around 1984 to each Armoured Division. Prior to this they seem to be a Corps level formation. Unlike the mechanised regiments there are no tanks within the formations. Further, the infantry are designed to fight dismounted with the VAB acting as a armoured personal carrier rather than an IFV. However, the infantry are still equipped with Milan giving them a healthy anti-tank capability. |
French II Corps, which was stationed in Germany, comprised three divisions and several corps level assets. I have selected to add several of these assets to my armoured division in an effort to provide a degree of independence on the table top. Perhaps most critical are the anti-aircraft assets.
| The
French armoured division in the 1980s lacked inherent tactical air
defence capability. What dedicated anti-aircraft assets that did
exist were to be found at corps level in a specialised
anti-aircraft regiments.
In front line formations these regiments contained several batteries of self-propelled Rolands. The Roland missile being transported by a modified AMX-30 chassis. Some regiments also had a single battery of AMX-13 DCAs. The AMX-13 DCA being amodified AMX-13 tank with a twin 30mm AA turret. Reserve formations were, even in the 1980s, still using 30mm and 40mm towed guns. |
Above, two stands of self-propelled Roland launches which together form the mainstay of my French anti-aircraft screen. |
They are further assisted by Improved Hawks and airforce Crotale which provide protection of deep assets.
Interestingly in the deployment to Chad in 1983 this lack of tactical air defence was recognised and an interim solution was found. A significant number of American Stinger missiles were purchased from the United States and rushed into service to support the 20mm calibre weapons that formed the limited AA screen of the deploying force.
AMX-10RCs advance down a road no doubt leading a French counter-attack. |
Finally,
to add some variety and to provide some additional fire power my
French are supported by two reconnaissance companies equipped with
the AMX-10RC armoured cars.
Entering service with II Corps finally in 1984 these light armoured cars are armed with a 105mm main gun. They certainly provide a powerful punch to the division's reconnaissance abilities. However, they also offer some interesting tactical problems as their light armour is likely to be a liability unless deployed in over-watch. |
Future additions will include some attack helicopters and fixed wing air support. In the meantime stay tuned for additional photos of the French in action as well as battle reports from the front.