Pictures of Moroccan soldiers c.1900

[Patrice]

I did some research on the web about Morocco c.1900 (which I think could be an interesting context for some Pulp adventures) and I found a few pictures and texts about the "Mokhaznis" - the soldiers of the "Makhzen" (Moroccan authority).

Weisgerber (a witness) writes that the caïd of Casablanca had about 30 cavalrymen; 50 gunners, whose job was to salute visiting ships with 18th century cannons; and an infantry "tabor" of theorically 200 men (but much less in reality, because officers kept some of the money).







Infantry uniform was a red fez (the Moroccan fez is shorter than others), a red vest, blue wide breeches which let the lower legs bare, and "babouches" lemon yellow.

Some were in rags; discipline appeared low to European observers (soldiers sitting on the ground as often as they could, etc); however some of these men attempted to resist the French in 1907, and the gunners fired their antique cannons against the attacking French warships!

Christian Houel (another witness) writes that in Casablanca in 1907, mokhaznis were armed with a Chassepot and a bayonet. Some times later, he describes mokhaznis of the army of Moulay Hafid (who was fighting against the French): they had Chassepot or Gras rifles, or flintlocks; some were given the same uniform, other stayed in rags; there were officers but no NCOs; the soldiers received no training.

I don't know suitable miniatures. Foundry "Belgian askaris" perhaps could do, with babouches added, but their rifle is wrong.

[gringo]

Brilliant and very different.thanks for sharing Patrice
any more info /pictures more then welcome

regards
Ged

www.gringo40s.com
www.gringo40s.blogspot.com
and 28mm ranges

[Belisarius]

Excellent and concise piece of research. The Perry plastics might be a possible source for figures.

[Patrice]

It's difficult to find many pictures of these soldiers before the French Protectorate (1912). In fact the Mokhaznis did not fight much: the Moroccan rulers knew that there was no chance against an European power, so when they fought it was almost by mistake. They mainly acted as local police, or auxiliaries of the French. The tribes in the countryside were the real enemy for the French. That's why I mentioned "Pulp" rather than large wargame: some Mokhaznis could be an interesting addition to a "peaceful" Moroccan town.

But there's lots of old pictures of Moroccan civilians (Arabs, Berbers, Jews) available.

[pacofeanor]

thank you for very interesting stuff !

best regards
paco

[gringo]

such a good thread in need of resurection as i have had the Berber
chief made in 28mm.must find some more information!! the foundry
book on small wars is a mine of information

best regards
Ged
www.gringo40s.com
www.gringo40s.blogspot.com
and 28mm ranges

[Patrice]

Gringo since you asked 

Moroccan troops in Rabat (a few years later as there are French officers). It looks like the same uniform, with belts added:


Closer view:


The sultan's Black Guard. Before 1915 the Moroccan star was sometimes six-pointed:


I am not sure who are these guys, could be tribal cavalry:


Cavalry "attacking the French camp" in Casablanca …but certainly an arranged picture or they would have killed the photographer:

[gringo]

brilliant many thanks Patrice!!

regards
Ged
www.gringo40s.com
www.gringo40s.blogspot.com
and 28mm ranges

[JBaumal]

Great post Patrice! Thanks for sharing this data. It will definitely help with my Morocco project.
Cheers,
JB

[italwars]

in fact Mokhaznis participated in some battles ...in Moroccan service they give up at fisrt sighting of the French...a little better performance in French service....jacques Gandini and Martin windrow who wrote extremely well researched books dealing also with French Army and FFL in Morocco mention them acting as scouts or vs retreating tribesmen in quite a few battle..also the first hand account of gen. D'amade talk about them...
http://www.darnna.com/marocphotos/lagardenoire.jpg

as regards the figures i'll not stick to a smart appearance but more on an irregular mob with elements of uniform..i own some purposly designed minis for this unit by Askary..B2 Moroccan Recruits and B3 Moroccan Berber with fez..plus some Spahi to represent mounted units..and i think that they really catch their appeance...unfortunatly they must be ordered directly in USA..but i remenber that the owner of Askari was a very good person to deal with and he mad all the best to minimize postage costs:
http://askari-minis.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=24

[Kommando_J]

Methinks a combination of the Perry Zouave and mahdist/Napoleonic sprues might work?