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80 years ago: Foreign Legion’s last artillery batteries were disbanded

June 22, 2024 · Posted in 1re, 2rei, 3rei, 4re, 6rei, Algeria, artillery, history, lebanon, Morocco, syria

With the conflict in Ukraine, a long-neglected component of Western armies, artillery, has once again stepped to the fore. It might come as a surprise to many Foreign Legion enthusiasts that a 1920 law allowed the Foreign Legion to establish, along with a cavalry regiment, also a separate artillery regiment. Equally surprising might be the fact that, in 1941, the legionnaires probably served in as many as 11 artillery batteries at the same time. The last of these units were disbanded 80 years ago, in 1944.

Foreign Legion: 2024 Camerone Day

May 2, 2024 · Posted in 1re, 1rec, 2reg, 2rei, 2rep, 3rei, 4re, camerone, grle

On April 30, 2024, the French Foreign Legion celebrated the 161st anniversary of the 1863 Battle of Camerone, an epic moment in its history. The celebrations were held across the regiments in France and abroad. See images.

DOCUMENTS: 1902-1913 1st Foreign Regiment certificates of Leg. Masquère

March 30, 2024 · Posted in 1re, documents

Another part of the DOCUMENTS series. Enjoy rare documents issued by the 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE) in North Africa more than a century ago.

General Vittorio Tresti passed away

February 23, 2024 · Posted in 1re, 3rei

General Vittorio Tresti, a former commanding officer of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) and one of the few commanding officers who started their famous careers with the Foreign Legion as simple legionnaires, passed away on February 15, 2024. He was 85 years old.

130 years ago: A forgotten campaign in West Africa ended

February 10, 2024 · Posted in 1re, 2rei, history, west africa

In February 1894, the last elements of the French Foreign Legion left the Slave Coast in West Africa where they had successfully participated in two expeditions aimed at a local kingdom’s ruler and his forces. Not only did the legionnaires face heat, disease, and supply problems, but they also had to fight local female warriors, Amazons…

Major Gérald: Secret tips for more effective abdominal exercises

December 5, 2023 · Posted in 1re, Major Gerald

The French Foreign Legion has published another useful video starring Major Gérald, the highest-ranking NCO serving as head of the Sports Office, 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE) in Aubagne. In this new video, he shares his secret tips for better strengthening of abdominal muscles.

Andrew J. Mitchell: Mafteiu and the Compagnie Montée d’Algérie

November 25, 2023 · Posted in 1re, books

In mid-November 2023, a new English-written book dedicated to the French Foreign Legion was released: Mafteiu and the Compagnie Montée d’Algérie, subtitled The obscure history of the little-known French Foreign Legion Mounted Company of Algeria, 1881 – 1939. This is another original work of our friend Andrew J. Mitchell, an Irish amateur historian and a passionate Foreign Legion insignia collector.

Circuit Training Workout with Major Gérald

November 17, 2023 · Posted in 1re, Major Gerald

See a new video with Major Gérald, the highest-ranking NCO serving as head of the Sports Office, 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE) in Aubagne. This time, he presents a simple circuit training which involves rotating through different exercises with little to no rest, to build your strength and muscular endurance. Enjoy.

Legion: Digital Kepi Blanc Magazine

November 10, 2023 · Posted in 1re, legion

Since November 2023, the Képi Blanc Magazine, a monthly journal of the famous French Foreign Legion, has been available also in the digital version! For those interested, below are instructions on how to order the digital (online) version of this magazine.

DOCUMENTS: 1847 1st Foreign Legion Regiment honorable discharge certificate

October 6, 2023 · Posted in 1re, 2rei, documents

A new part of the DOCUMENTS series. A very rare document is presented here; it is the oldest French Foreign Legion-related document currently available on our website. It was issued as early as 1847 to a Belgian legionnaire at the conclusion of his honest and faithful service in North Africa.

Lieutenant Colonel Jean Pierre Bissey

August 11, 2023 · Posted in 1re, 2rei, 3rei, history, Morocco

On August 5, 1933, Lieutenant Colonel Jean Pierre Bissey, a little-known officer of the French Foreign Legion, was killed in a battle with local rebels during the French pacification of Morocco. Almost forgotten today, he remains the highest-ranking Foreign Legion officer killed not only between the two world wars but also during the long Moroccan campaign. The following article has been written in his memory.