French naval personnel could fight ashore

Could French naval infantry and ship crews provide a useful force ashore?

Yes. Naval infantry, the Foreign Legion, and sailors with infantry training would provide useful forces, with Far East gunboat crews particularly well trained.

France had naval infantry formations, and the Foreign Legion was another force available in the scenario. Sailors themselves also received infantry training. Ordinary sailors were not considered especially good infantry, but some Far East gunboat crews were described as well trained for the role.