Major Raymond Cabaribère was an officer of the French Foreign Legion. He was killed in action on April 21, 1954, during the Indochina War, while commanding the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment. He was 41 years old.
2e CSPL: 1950s, 1960s Color Film Collection
Watch absolutely unique, very rare amateur footages depicting Foreign Legion ceremonies in Laghouat, Algeria in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, the town was home to one of the Legion’s Saharan companies: 2nd Legion Saharan Motorized Company (2e CSPL). Two of the rare films are in color.
PHOTOS: 1re CSPL Platoon Leader badge in the Saharan Desert in 1958
This time I would like to share with you a very rare picture showing a sergeant serving as a platoon leader with the 1st Legion Saharan Motorized Company (1re CSPL) in the Sahara of Eastern Algeria, in the late 1950s. The unit was stationed at Fort Flatters at the time, an old French military post located close to the border with Libya. What’s rare in that picture is the insignia/badge worn by this NCO, above the company one.
Read morePHOTOS: 1re CSPL Platoon Leader badge in the Saharan Desert in 1958
Foreign Legion Saharan Motorized Companies in North Africa: History & Images
The famous four Foreign Legion Saharan motorized units were disbanded in Algeria, North Africa, in late March 1963. Their men, vehicles, traditional uniforms, and fanions merged with two infantry regiments. The dream of many generations of young men – the Saharan legionnaire with his white kepi, V-shaped bandoleer, wide trousers, Saharan burnous cloak, and sandals – officially disappeared.
Read moreForeign Legion Saharan Motorized Companies in North Africa: History & Images
Legion’s first Saharan motorized unit
Though little known today, four autonomous Saharan companies ranked among the most prestigious Foreign Legion’s units in the 1950s – 1960s. They kept the old traditions of the legionnaires riding camels through the North African desert and oasis, serving in the old cool-looking fortresses. Even the official recruiting posters of the Legion in the 1950s and 1960s portrayed Saharan units to attract new volunteers to join in. Today, the Legion’s first Saharan motorized unit will be presented here.