French Volunteers Train with British Uniforms and Bren Guns in North Africa (Issued February 1943)

This photograph, issued in February 1943 (BRITISH OFFICIAL PHOTO NO. BNA 539), depicts French volunteers training with machine guns in North Africa. The volunteers, who flocked to the colors with the objective of defeating Germany, are shown practicing firing from a prone position on a range, with an Army Sergeant observing. They are clothed in British uniforms, but maintain the distinctive French casque and forage cap, wearing a red and blue flash for England on the cap and the colors of France on their tunic sleeves. The background features a stone tower or fortress, indicating a military installation setting. The image serves as a visual record of the training and preparation of these French soldiers during World War II.