We are enormously proud to present our release of Algerian Tirailleurs for our Franco Prussian War range. First raised in 1841 as battalions of ‘tirailleurs indigenes’, the locally recruited Algerian infantry were organised into three regiments of Algerian Tirailleurs by a decree dated 10 October 1855 and subsequently served in many illustrious campaigns with distinction, including in the Crimean War, the Second Italian War of Independence, the French intervention in Mexico and of course the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. It was during the Crimean War that the Algerian tirailleurs acquired the nickname of "Turcos" by which they were widely known over the next hundred years. The name reportedly arose from comparisons between the Algerian troops and the Turkish allies serving alongside the French and British forces at the siege of Sevastopol. This dynamic and superbly put together release is we think one of the finest we have ever done and with it we pay homage to the brave men of Algeria that served with such distinction and honour during the battles of 1870.
