1-300 Free French Red & Blue Lorraine Cross Decals
These 1-300 Free French Red & Blue Lorraine Cross decals reproduce one of the most recognizable symbols of the Free French Forces during World War II. The distinctive double-barred Cross of Lorraine became the emblem of General Charles de Gaulle’s Free France and was prominently displayed on aircraft, vehicles, ships, flags, and military insignia throughout the war.
Decal Information
The sheet includes Free French Red & Blue Lorraine Cross markings suitable for use on 1-300 scale aircraft miniatures.
They are printed on clear-background waterslide decal paper. They need to be individually cut out. Apply over a properly prepared and gloss-coated model surface using normal waterslide-decal techniques.
Key Historical Details
Region / Nation: French Service: French Military Aviation Time Period: Period Appropriate to the Marking Primary Marking: Aircraft Identification Markings Scale: 1-300 Application: Historically appropriate aircraft and aviation subjects
Historical Information
Following the fall of France in June 1940, French forces that continued the fight alongside Britain needed a symbol that clearly distinguished them from forces controlled by the Vichy government.
On July 1, 1940, Vice-Admiral Émile Muselier proposed the Cross of Lorraine as the emblem of the Free French. The following day, it was formally adopted for the Free French forces. French military authorities specifically directed that Free French aircraft carry the Cross of Lorraine in addition to their normal French national markings.
The Forces Aériennes Françaises Libres (FAFL)—Free French Air Forces—were officially established in London on July 7, 1940. Their aircraft operated alongside the RAF and other Allied air forces in Britain, North Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and eventually liberated Europe.
One particularly interesting feature of Free French aircraft markings is that the Cross of Lorraine was not completely standardized in appearance. Both blue and red crosses can be found in historical references and wartime markings. Early instructions called for the Cross of Lorraine to be displayed in association with the standard French roundel, while aircraft operating in different theaters frequently received locally applied markings. Surviving photographs and historical research show variations in color, size, border style, and placement. This decal sheet includes both red and blue versions, allowing wargamers greater flexibility when representing different Free French aircraft and units.
The Cross of Lorraine appeared on numerous Allied-supplied aircraft operated by Free French units, including Hawker Hurricanes, Supermarine Spitfires, Westland Lysanders, Bristol Blenheims, Douglas Bostons, P-40s, and other British and American aircraft. Some aircraft retained RAF-style markings while adding French roundels and Cross of Lorraine insignia, resulting in a wide variety of historically interesting marking combinations.
