April 30, 2025, marked the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Camerone, the defining event in the French Foreign Legion’s history, when 62 legionnaires under the command of Captain Jean Danjou faced a force of 2,000 Mexican troops. Refusing to surrender, they fought to the very end, with only three able-bodied legionnaires left standing. Commemorations of this anniversary were held across all Legion units and garrisons, both in France and abroad. The following post includes images from several of these ceremonies.
Colonel Raphaël Vienot (1804 – 1855)
Colonel Raphaël Vienot was a distinguished French officer who concluded his military career as a colonel in the French Foreign Legion during the Crimean War. One of the Legion’s most important figures in history, Vienot became renowned not only for his leadership abilities but also for the bravery and dedication he demonstrated in service to France, ultimately sacrificing his life during the night assault of May 1–2, 1855.
DOCUMENTS: 1948 Cartoon Chronicle of Basic Training
This is another contribution to our DOCUMENTS series. Discover an exceptional cartoon booklet that humorously portrays the journey of Foreign Legion recruits toward deployment in the First Indochina War in the late 1940s.
Read moreDOCUMENTS: 1948 Cartoon Chronicle of Basic Training
Major Gérald: Introducing the New 2025 French Army Push-Up Standards
In his new video, Major Gérald provides us with a detailed presentation of the the new push-up regulations introduced by the French Army in 2025. The popular French Foreign Legion senior NCO clearly explains the updated standards, demonstrating correct technique to help (future) legionnaires meet the new requirements.
Read moreMajor Gérald: Introducing the New 2025 French Army Push-Up Standards
110 years ago: French Foreign Legionnaires in Southeastern Europe during World War I
In early March 1915, a battalion of the French Foreign Legion was formed in Algeria to participate in the Allied campaigns in Southeastern Europe, including engagements in Gallipoli, Serbia, Greece, and Macedonia. Discover the harrowing journey of these nearly forgotten men, whose odyssey ultimately led them to Odessa, in what is now Ukraine…
Read more110 years ago: French Foreign Legionnaires in Southeastern Europe during World War I
Foreign Legion Band: Great Britain in 2025
In early February 2025, an international military tattoo took place in Great Britain. Musicians of the French Foreign Legion successfully participated. See videos.
PHOTOS: 1938 Camerone Day in Syria
A new part of the PHOTOS series. See a rare set of pictures taken in Syria in late April 1938. They show legionnaires of the 1st Foreign Infantry Regiment (1er REI; now 1er RE) during the most important holiday of the Foreign Legion (April 30), commemorating the famous 1863 Battle of Camerone.
DOCUMENTS: 1921-1929 1st Foreign Regiment certificates
A new part of the DOCUMENTS series. Today we present four interesting documents issued by the 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE) in North Africa in the 1920s.
Read moreDOCUMENTS: 1921-1929 1st Foreign Regiment certificates
Marching Company, 1st Foreign Regiment in Algeria in 1968
The Marching Company, 1st Foreign Regiment was the last French Foreign Legion unit to remain stationed in Algeria, North Africa. Its task was to guard the French air base at Bou Sfer near the city of Oran. The company was disbanded on August 17, 1968.
Read moreMarching Company, 1st Foreign Regiment in Algeria in 1968
1er RE: Foreign Legion HQ’s doors open to the public in late September 2024
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the headquarters of the French Foreign Legion in Aubagne opens its doors to the public, on September 21 and 22, 2024. Come and discover the motherhouse of the Foreign Legion.
Read more1er RE: Foreign Legion HQ’s doors open to the public in late September 2024
2024 Bastille Day Military Parade
Every year, a large military parade is held in Paris to commemorate the 14th of July, France’s national holiday, known in English-speaking countries as Bastille Day. On that day, the French Foreign Legion also takes part in the parade in the capital. However, due to the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, this year’s parade was downsized and did not take place on the famous Champs-Élysées. Read more and see images.