Spahis on foot (6)

Description

6 Spahis, 2 each of the three figures shown.

The Spahis were the native light cavalry of the French Army of Africa. These dashing cavalry were used in all sorts of roles from scouting, skirmishing, patrolling and courier duties to providing guards and escorts to senior commanders. They also went to France in 1870 and 1914.

Since they wore a native-style dress, they can also be used as Algerian rebels for Abd el-Kader’s insurgency in the 1830s and 40s and the uprising against the French in 1870. For this reason they are cross-listed in the North African section.

The same uniform was worn by the four Algerian regiments and the Moroccan Spahis (the Moroccans with a blue cloak over their burnous).