13e DBLE: 2023 Commemoration of the Battle of Bir Hakeim

Last weekend, from June 9 to 11, 2023, the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13e DBLE) opened Camp Larzac — its military base in southern France — to the public, on the occasion of the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Bir Hakeim.

Every year, the 13e DBLE holds its open house during the commemorations of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, the first major engagement of the Free French Forces in the Second World War. The battle took place west of the port of Tobruk in Libya during the North Africa campaign, from May 26 to June 11, 1942. The 13e DBLE, then serving under British command, was among the French units that held their position against at least 32,000 German and Italian troops under General Rommel.

This year’s edition featured a new, expanded format with a denser schedule of activities and shows. The celebrations began on Friday evening, June 9, with a military ceremony followed by a parade of the full regiment. The ceremony was presided over by General Lardet, commander of the French Foreign Legion.

On Saturday, the base opened to the public at 10:30 a.m. The afternoon program included a gymnastics display by the Paris Fire Brigade, while the evening brought a boxing gala, followed by a legionnaires’ ball and a DJ party that ran into the early hours.

On Sunday, the camp opened its gates again from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (19.00). Over both weekend days, visitors could enjoy a wide range of cultural and sporting activities, including a stone-cutting workshop, an exhibition of vintage military uniforms, a military artists’ workshop, a display of combat equipment, inflatable play structures, rifle shooting, punching machines, boxing, a nighttime obstacle course, an assault course, a piano concert, béhourd (armored medieval combat), and Airsoft.

A wide selection of food was also available across the site, with stands run by local producers and vendors offering farm produce, Polish and Asian cuisine, grilled meats, burgers, ice cream, and more.

Foreign Legion - 2023 - Camp Larzac - 13e DBLE - 13th DBLE - Commemoration - Battle of Bir Hakeim - General Lardet — General *Lardet*, commander of the Foreign Legion, and the 13e DBLE’s color guard on June 9, 2023.

Foreign Legion - 2023 - Camp Larzac - 13e DBLE - 13th DBLE - Commemoration - Battle of Bir Hakeim - pioneers — Pioneers leading the 13e DBLE during the military parade on June 9, 2023.

Foreign Legion - 2023 - Camp Larzac - 13e DBLE - 13th DBLE - Commemoration - Battle of Bir Hakeim - gymnasts — The Paris Fire Brigade gymnastics team performs during the Battle of Bir Hakeim commemorations, June 10, 2023.

Foreign Legion - 2023 - Camp Larzac - 13e DBLE - 13th DBLE - Commemoration - Battle of Bir Hakeim - combat course

Foreign Legion - 2023 - Camp Larzac - 13e DBLE - 13th DBLE - Commemoration - Battle of Bir Hakeim - boxing

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