France didn't have dedicated assault units like the Germans. The closest thing they have to them were nettoyeur de tranchée, trench sweepers. They were used to take out enemy strong points, conduct raids, mop up stragglers, and screen the main force while it moves through enemy trenches. They did their incredibly dangerous jobs with grenades, knives, and pistols. Among their comrades, they were called Zigouilleurs, meaning killers. So if you thought German stormtroopers were badass...