On September 20, 2018, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vauxaillon, fought on the Western Front to break Germany’s Hindenburg Line. This battle helped to end the First World War. The famous regiment fully participated in that action, gained a rare double fourragère and became the most decorated unit of the French Army.

On September 14, 1918, during World War I, the Battle of Vauxaillon occurred in northeastern France (on the Western Front), between Soissons and Laon, in the Aisne region. The goal was to approach and break the Hindenburg Line, a German important defensive position built in 1916-17.

Then RMLE (Foreign Legion Regimental Combat Team, 3e REI since 1922) were involved, led by Lt Colonel Paul-Frédéric Rollet, the well-known French officer and the future Father of the Legion. The unit successfully broke the enemy line and captured around 500 prisoners. However, the Legion also suffered heavy casualties. At least 275 men were killed (including 10 officers), another 1,158 men were wounded. But their action helped to end the First World War.

The RMLE gained its 9th mention (in dispatches) in the order of the Army and obtained the rare double Fourragère in the colors of the Legion of Honour (Légion d’Honneur) and of the 1914-18 War Cross. It became the most decorated unit of the French Army at the time. Since then, the 14th September has been commemorated annually by the 3e REI as the regimental holiday called Fourragere Day. This year marks its 100th anniversary.

See several nice images showing the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vauxaillon in Kourou of French Guiana (South America), the current garrison of the regiment. In the second part of images, the 3e REI legionnaires participate in the traditional Fourragere Day Challenge, taking place a few days before the main ceremony.

PHOTOS. 2018 Fourragere Day in French Guiana. Click on the FB icon to see all photos.

PHOTOS, part 2. 2018 Fourragere Day Challenge. Click on the FB icon to see all photos.

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3e REI: Christmas Challanges 2017
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3e REI: Legionnaires protecting Ariane 5 launch