Clou français
The clou français (French for French nail ) is a simplified variant of the combat knife developed during the First World War . The weapon was used by the soldiers of the French army for close combat . It is a simple stabbing weapon made of steel . It is considered the counterpart to the German trench dagger .
History and use
The French soldiers were originally supposed to be equipped with the Poignard-Baïonnette Lebel M1886 / 14. This was a stiletto with a wooden handle. The army leadership had not expected such a large number of trench warfare. The demand could not be met with the Poignard bayonets provided for this purpose. In addition, because of their length , the traditional bayonets were not well suited for close combat. In their function, the bayonets were intended as an extension of the rifle to fight cavalry . In hand-to-hand combat, on the other hand, you needed a handy weapon. Based on this experience, the clou français was created. A large number of these simple weapons were produced in various designs in small factories by blacksmiths. Barbed wire holders, made of steel rods, served as the basis. A handle was added under heating and a point was added to it. The very simple weapon was seen as an emergency solution and was replaced in 1916 by the newly developed Couteau Poignard Mle in 1916 .
See also
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Roger Roquier, Gérard Lecoeur: Les couteaux de nos soldats. Editions Crépin-Leblond, Paris, ISBN 2-7030-0195-9 .
- ^ Frederick J. Stephens: Fighting Knives, Arms and Armor. London 1985, pp. 22-23, 26.