FREE FRANCE – 2nd ARMORED DIVISION - Lot 150

FREE FRANCE – 2nd ARMORED DIVISION An exceptional collection of uniforms that belonged to Captain Lucien Albert GAILLARDIN, a military doctor (1914–2025), who enlisted in the Free French Forces in August 1940 in Africa as part of the Medical Corps and later served in General Leclerc’s 2nd Armored Division. The collection includes, in particular: - A Medical Corps officer’s uniform (jacket and trousers). - A Medical Corps officer’s “dress” uniform (jacket and trousers). - A colonial officer’s kepi of the Medical Corps, with a crimson band, gold tassels and braid, adorned with its front insignia, along with its protective paper packaging bearing two name tags. - A field uniform set consisting of a Mackinaw jacket and trousers Several of these items bear American manufacturing markings, attesting to the American equipment received by the French units of the 2nd Armored Division; Historical Provenance Lucien Albert Gaillardin (1914–1995), a military doctor, joined the Free French Forces in Africa in August 1940 as part of General Leclerc’s forces. As a captain and physician, he continued his service with the Medical Service of the French Combat Forces and subsequently joined the 2nd Armored Division. He is notably mentioned in documents relating to the 13th Medical Battalion (BM13) of the 2nd Armored Division. The unit’s logbook thus notes, on August 4, 1944, the assignment of “Captain GAILLARDIN, M.D.,” assigned to the 3rd Medical Company. The collection presented here thus constitutes a particularly rare account of the career of a Free French medical officer, from his enlistment in Africa in 1940 to his service with the 2nd Armored Division during the Liberation. The combination, within a single personal collection, of French Medical Service officer uniforms, a traditional colonial headdress, and American field gear is particularly representative of the evolution of equipment and the career path of French officers who joined General Leclerc’s forces. From an excellent family collection, preserved to this day among the personal effects of Lucien Gaillardin. Condition: signs of wear and use, stains, discoloration, and storage marks; some items show minor damage or alterations. The collection is preserved in its original condition.