Today we'll be taking a look at the Gamelle Armée Française Modèle 1952, or in English, the French Army Mess Kit Model 1952.
This mess kit was introduced in 1952, and replaced the old, pre-WW2 Model 1935 mess kit (I'm still looking for one of the old WW2 kits to add to the collection). Basically the French took the rectangular mess kits of the United Kingdom, and made it much better!
They added a heavier handle on the main pan, built the entire kit out of heavier aluminum, and added a third inner bowl-plate.
A three of the pieces nest together perfectly, into a compact unit.
This is the mess kit that was issued out to the French soldiers fighting in Algeria, during the Algerian War of 1954 - 1962. These kits were also issued out to the troops fighting in Indochina during the Vietnam War era. These kits were used all the way up through the 1980's and early 2000's. In 2009, the Model 1952 kit was replaced with a stainless steel kit that is very similar to the old US "meat can" mess kits.
My kit is marked with the manufacturer mark of MMT, from the town of Tournus. Dated 1962. MMT is for the manufacturing firm of Manufacture Métallurgique de Tournus.
As far as modern, "bushcraft", and camping kits go, I think these French Model 1952 sets have them all beat.......... with the exception of the Swedish Mess Kits with the integrated stove set. If you get the chance to pick one of these up, then jump on it while you can!
These are current issue in the New Zealand army. Although mostly replaced by the steel canteen cup in the field. They're great for hot rations from the cooks truck though, better than cramming pudding, stew and orange juice into one mug!
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