WWI Belgian Conversion Guide
Dated: May 20th, 2009.
By
James Reeve
UK
This guide is to help with converting the Airfix/HäT French Foreign Legion or HäT Early War French to Belgian Infantry and other arms that normally wore the greatcoat. All greatcoats were of the same pattern, differing only in colour, badges, patches, or facings. Other Ranks wore the greatcoat at all times when on campaign; officers normally did not.
Most troops soon abandoned the Campaign headgear in favour of the Undress type. The glossy, oilskin shako cover was often turned inside out to expose the cotton interior for better concealment.
Pre-War changes to the uniform had not all been implemented in 1914, so old and new patterns co-existed.
† Grenadier bearskins were kept in store in Brussels and were captured when the city was taken by the Germans. They were therefore never worn in action.
* "Marengo Grey" was a very dark grey with a green tinge. Surviving examples give the appearance of being black. The Type 2 headgear was a lighter, "Hunter Green", piped in yellow; it was taller and more conical than the Line Infantry pattern and was not as widely adopted. Trousers were "Belgian Grey"; in practice this was anything from mid-grey to charcoal.
Shortages, disruption caused by the invasion, and wear and tear meant that there were many variations and improvisations.
The bayonet was not normally fixed.
Many thanks to Mr. Reeve.