WW1 French 115th Infantry Regiment Battalion Commanders Kepi

A stunning high quality private purchase French officers Kepi of the 115th Infantry Regiment by the Paris maker 'E.Bidal'.
In the early 'Foulard' or 'Saumur' shape this style originated from the late 1880s but was still being worn by older officers as part of the service uniform when France went to war in August 1914. In fine quality red wool cloth the body of the cap is adorned with gold flat rank braid for a Battalion Commander & Hungarian knot to top. Both chinstraps as expected for a high ranking officer are fitted with the false gold under its leather gold edged version. Both of its gilt chinstrap buttons to sides have flaming grenades embossed for infantry troops. Regimental numbers to front are of the earlier bullion embroidered version. To interior is a black silk lining with the remains of officer initials to crown. The Paris maker 'E.Bidal' of ' 3 Rue De Richelieu ' is embossed in gold onto the thin leather sweatband. This has some wear & is torn in places.

The 115th Infantry Regiment were mobilised on August 2nd 1914 & , via Verdun , headed up towards Belgium which the German army had just invaded. On August 22nd they were enagaged in heavy fighting against the German offensive at Virton with around 27,000 French soldiers killed on this day making it the deadliest day in French history. Having lost their Commander Coquerelle , his second in Command Captain Chanderis & another Captain ( All killed ) they withdrew to defend the passageway of the Meuse but continued to withdraw under overwhelming fire. After this they were engaged in fighting on the Marne, Champagne & The Somme as well as the Verdun Citadel to name merely but a few.

Code: 13976