Despite never having set foot on French Soil before, Saïd Otmari (Jamel Debbouze), Corporal Abdelkadar (Sami Bouajila), Messaoud (Roschdy Zem) and Yassir (Samy Naceri) enlisted in the army along with 130,000 other "indigenous soldiers" to fight for their imperial masters. But instead of praise and gratitude for their selfless aid, the Algerian soldiers faced a double attack: on one side, their Axis enemies, and on the other, the racist ignorance of their commanding officers.
Forgotten by history and denied their rightful place amongst the heroes of war, Days of Glory tells the story of the French-Algerian defensive, and shows the true extent of their sacrifice.
The MAS-36 is the main weapon of the French Tirailleur soldiers, including Sergent Roger Martinez (Bernard Blancan) and Corporal Abdelkadar (Sami Bouajila). Note that the rifles shown in this movie are anachronistic : Only post-WWII versions have the hooded front sight.
M1917 Enfield
Tirailleur soldiers also use the M1917 Enfield. Messaoud (Roschdy Zem) uses one in training before he is assigned as a Sniper.
M1 Garand
Sergent Roger Martinez (Bernard Blancan) uses an M1 Garand rifle to hit Saïd Otmari (Jamel Debbouze) after he accidentally sets off a live grenade during basic training. Capitaine Durieux (Benoît Giros) can be seen with one later on in the film.
Messaoud (Roschdy Zem) uses the Mauser Gewehr 1898 with a Zeiss ZF42 scope and a curved bolt-handle when he becomes the designated marksman. Note the Lange Vizier rear sight under the telescope and 29.1" barrel. The telescope is also using only one mounting ring, and appears to be resting on the rear sight.
Yassir (Samy Naceri) uses a M1 Thompson in the first battle on the mountain and in the climatic battle in the village. It can be distinguished from the M1A1 Thompson because of it's simple L Sight.
M1A1 Thompson
Yassir's (Samy Naceri) brother Larbi (Assaad Bouab) uses the M1A1 Thompson during the first battle on the mountain. Yassir later uses it to smash out a dead German soldiers gold teeth.
Chatellerault M1924/29
A Tirailleur soldier can be briefly seen with a Chatellerault M1924/29 Light Machine Gun during the mountain battle.
SACM M1935A
A Tirailleur soldier brandishes what appears a SACM M1935A during the first battle.
Mle 1892 Revolver
A French officer uses an Mle 1892 Revolver as he leads reinforcements up the mountain.
Saïd Otmari (Jamel Debbouze) can be seen with Mk 2 Hand Grenade holstered during training. He accidentally pulls the pin, and ends up destroying a tent.
German Weapons
Karabiner 98k
Many German soldiers use the Karabiner 98k rifle during the climatic battle in the village.
MP40
Several German soldiers use the MP40 during the village battle.
MG42
The MG42 Light Machine Gun is used by German soldiers during the mountain and village battles.
Panzerschreck
A German soldier uses the Panzerschreck rocket launcher during the village battle.