French Uniform Expert

[MicroSculpt]

Greetings!

I am seeking an expert on French Uniforms. Anyone out there up to the task?

I'm trying to get information on a variant of the kepi worn by French aviators. Specifically the kepi worn by Raoul Lufbery, while serving in the Lafayette Escadrille.

It appears to be a more "casual" version. Seems a bit floppy or soft. Unlike the typical stiff officer's kepi. It also seems to lack the ornamental piping and braid. Although there does appear to be some form of rank insignia on the front in the form of a cloth bar.

Can anyone provide info? A picture of a preserved example?

I'm sure someone out there has an answer.

Thanks!

Tom

[gilles]

Hello MicroSculpt

I'm certainly not an expert but here are a few clues :

The picture was taken in early 1917 (march?). Lufbery was still an Adjudant (warrant officer?) hence the bar on the kepi. I guess is wearing typical "modèle 1915" horizon blue uniform and kepi in linen/cloth as issued to all infantry soldiers and non commissioned officers. In the full size picture, he's wearing puttees.
Just my 2 cents.

It seems that only Raoul Lufbery and William Thaw became officers under french uniform, so the soft kepi was the norm for Lafayette pilots.

gilles

[MicroSculpt]

Thanks, Gilles!

I think you are right. I poked around on some French sites and found this image. It is a variation on the officers kepi issued in 1915. It looks very close to what Lufbery is wearing.

Tom

[gregoire]

Except it is a general kepi

[MicroSculpt]

Gregoire:

Yes, the rank is wrong. But the kepi would otherwise be the same. Yes?

Tom

[gregoire]

that kind of "soft" was quite common it was the "bleu horizon" non combat uniform and most of the soldiers and NCO had one (the officer tend to have a rmore regid one)