Another part of the PHOTOS series. Today we share rare photographs presenting the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) in 1965. At that time, the regiment was stationed in Madagascar, a large island in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Southern Africa. The island was a French colony until 1960.
The Foreign Legion has strong ties to the region. In 1895, its legionnaires were the main force in the French expedition that achieved the pacification of Madagascar and its annexation to France. They also actively participated in the lesser-known 1947-1951 Madagascar Campaign and later served on the island with the BLEM, from 1956 to 1962. That year, the battalion laid the foundation for the brand-new 3e REI. The latter continued to serve in Madagascar, which gained its independence in 1960.
In late 1964, the French overseas units underwent a major reorganization and reduction of their personnel. This also affected the 3e REI. Thus, of the original five combat units only two combat companies and a Peloton Blindé (an armored platoon in the French motorized cavalry) remained. The exception was a rear base company (Cie de Base, CB), which was formed on January 1, 1965.
In 1965, the regiment’s units were installed in the north of the island. The HQ Company (CCAS) was stationed at Camp Mehouas in Diego Suarez (now Antsiranana). The Cie de Base was housed in the same town: first at Camp Pardes, then at Camp Lubert. The 1st Company was based at Tanambao. The 2nd Company and the Armored Platoon were posted at Sakaramy. The amphibious Landing Training Center (CID) was stationed at Cap Diego, a cape opposite Diego Suarez.
Assigned to the South Indian Ocean French Forces (FFSOI) and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Iacconi, the 3e REI carried out the following missions in 1965: retaining a French presence in the strategically important Mozambique Channel (located between Southeast Africa and Madagascar), maintaining order in the region, and carrying out construction work in support of both local and military infrastructure (e.g. building and repairing roads, bridges, and military installations). Also, the legionnaires continued their training, organized regular sports competitions, and participated in combined arms exercises and maneuvers. In addition, in May of that year, the 3e REI men made the first important contact with the Comoro Islands, lying between the north of Madagascar and the African mainland.
The 3e REI left Madagascar for French Guiana in South America in 1973. Its 2nd Company stayed on Comoros to maintain a Legion presence in the region. The latter company transformed into the Foreign Legion Comoros Detachment (DLEC).
As usual, the rare photos were provided to our website and published with the kind permission of Krzysztof Schramm, historian of the Foreign Legion veteran association in Poland, A.A.A.L.E. de Pologne, and author of the awesome book I Regret Nothing. The photos come from an old album that the 3e REI men received as a Christmas gift in 1965.
Click on the images to enlarge them:
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