This is the first in a series of columns on uniforms of the colonial period by Mark Stevens. Should you have any questions concerning uniforms please contact either of us and we will print the answer. ed.

I found my Dahomey information so I can provide info for that.  You can simply send me the questions and then we can print the answers in a column. The French forces in Dahomey consisted of the legion, French marines, sailors, Senegalaise Tirailleurs, and Senegalaise Spahi.  The legion wore khaki tunics with brass buttons and blue trim around the collar and cuffs.  They wore helmets covered with khaki or blue-gray cloth.  They would also wear white trousers and black boots but no leggings.  They might also simply wear white shirts.  The medium blue sashes were sometimes wore as well. 

Equipment would be black leather with blue-gray blanket roll and canteen covered in blue-gray cloth.  They apparently carried the Gras rifle early in the 1890's.  This had a brass hilt on the bayonet.  The later Lebel Rifle had a steel hilt.

The officers would be in an all white uniform with gold cuff rings for rank. NCO would have the diagonal red or gold stripes on the khaki jacket sleeve only. Buglers would have red, white, and blue bugel chords.  The chest pouches would be made out of any cloth, usually blue-gray overcoat cloth.  The Marines usually wore blue jackets with white trousers and white or khaki helmets.  Equipment would be the same.  French sailors wore standard Naval uniform for the period.  They would have red striped undershirts and a red pom-pom on the white or dark blue naval cap.  The Senegalaise Tirailleurs wore dark blue jackets with yellow cuff and collar trim and brass buttons. They might also wear plain white shirts or khaki jackets with yellow trim.  The fez was red with a yellow tassel.  Trousers would be white and they were usually barefoot. If they wore shoes the leggings would be blue-gray.  Equipment would be the same.  The officers would wear standard marine uniform. 

Artillerymen would be either marines or sailors dressed as metioned above.  The artillery was 80 mm mountain guns and Hotchkiss revolving guns.  The carriage color was probably olive drab.  The Senegalaise Spahis were as I mentioned in a previous note.  My sources are Funken, Windrow's book on the Legion, and Knotel.  I hope this will serve as a start for the first column.  I will send the Dahomey info later.  I feel that I can make at least a good guess for any uniform in the Colonial period. 

Dahomey War Part 1

Uniforms: French
War Background
History
Amazonian Army

Dahomey War Part 2

Housing, Uniforms, and Weapons of the King
Campaigns and Dahomey Warfare
French OB for 1892 Dahomey War and Battles
Available Figures