
This vintage real photo postcard features a group of uniformed French soldiers in Northern Africa. The sign they are holding,”Honneur Aux Bleus” reveals some interesting information. There is a related French military slogan that states “Honneur aux anciens, courage aux bleus”. This roughly translates to “honor to the old soldiers, courage for the rookies”. In French, “bleu” means “rookie”. In 1793, rookies wore blue uniforms while more veteran soldiers wore white uniforms. Note that three of the men have canteens and one of the soldiers is holding a cup of coffee. This postcard appears to date back to the 1910’s (World War I era).
Your interpretation of “Honneur aux Bleus” is correct and we can safely bet it was a “Régiment de zouaves” (https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zouaves).
You’ll find other photos with the same uniform and pennant via the links below.
http://www.delcampe.net/page/item/id,276052831,var,carte-photo-militaire–8-eme-Zouaves-honneur-aux-bleus,language,F.html
http://www.retro-photo.fr/cartes-postales-anciennes/cpa,militaires-guerres,carte-photo-militaires-du-2eme-zouaves-honneur-aux-bleus,14594.html
http://www.delcampe.net/item.php?id=204241670&var=regiment-8EME-ZOUAVES-carte-photo-belle-animation&language=F&sessionToken=sslLogin_09d57b0e594703526409aa5b5d6e05cd