A further note on the Chauchat FM:

Only the gunner has a Chauchat! his automatic pistol(for emergencys) is in an ammunition pouch on the back of his belt when not in use but may also be in a holster at this date, he has a special backpack holding 4 clips and 2 semi-circular pouches on his belt left and right front holding 2 clips each...

The loader only has a pistol for defence probably in a holster, he carrys 8 clips in a special back pack and a further 8 clips in a bag for ready use.

Ammo carrier with Rifle, carrys additional ammo 12 clips or boxed in a backpack.

One last note on the Riflemen in the platoon, 2 sniper scopes were issued per platoon that could fit to any rifle so at least one rifleman with RSC, Lebel or Berthier would be appropriate in a 12 pose set, excess snipers could simply have the scopes removed...

Thank you Ironsides for this very detailed wealth of information.

French tactics seem to have been very elaborate towards the end of WW1.

I not sure it wasn't the same for the other major combatants as well, everyone learned by their early errors and misconceptions and as new weapons came to the fore tactics tended to change to accomodate them.. but a slow painfull process non the less...

I did say the platoon has a maximium of 29 men, this should be a minimum: a Sergeant and 28 other ranks... it could of course have more men but this is likely closer to normal in late 1917-18...