French Military Individual Combat Dressing Type 1949

The French military individual combat dressing Type 1949 (Pansement Individuel Modèle 1949) served as the ubiquitous lifesaving gear issued to French troops, paratroopers, and the Foreign Legion during the Algerian War (1954–1962) and the Indochina War.

Individual Combat Dressing Type 1949 (Pansement Individuel)

• Design & Material: Made of heavy-duty, tightly wrapped 100% cotton canvas or fabric. It was hermetically sealed to keep the internal pressure dressing sterile.
• Markings: The front of the packaging is typically stamped with "Ministère de la Défense Nationale - Service de Santé" and "Pansement Individuel Type 1949". The manufacturer and production year (e.g., Pansements Royer Genay - 1952 or 1953) are explicitly stated.
• Instructions: The back features printed steps for use (Mode d'emploi au dos), detailing how to apply the dressing to a single wound or close-proximity combat wounds without touching the sterile pad with fingers.
• Dimensions: Compact and pocket-sized, measuring approximately 9.5 to 10 cm long, 5.5 cm wide, and 2 to 3 cm thick.