Christmas Eve marks the second most important holiday within the French Foreign Legion, traditionally a pro-Catholic institution. Thus, for that day, legionnaires in all units of the Legion create original nativity scenes and compete to see which one is the nicest and most original. This Legion tradition is unique within the French Army.
70 years ago: A successful battle in an entrenched valley in French Indochina
In late 1952, an important confrontation between the French and the communist Viet Minh took place in then French Indochina, in a valley transformed into a well-fortified camp. A direct predecessor to the sad 1954 battle of Dien Bien Phu, the confrontation ended with a clear French victory, thanks to a significant role of the French Foreign Legion men.
Read more70 years ago: A successful battle in an entrenched valley in French Indochina
Foreign Legion: 2022 Armistice Day
In France, the 11th of November marks Armistice Day. That day – known as Remembrance Day (or Veterans Day) in mostly English-speaking countries – the entire nation in France and abroad commemorates the end of hostilities of World War I. Thus, yesterday, on November 11, even the French Foreign Legion – as well as the rest of the French Armed Forces – commemorated the 104th Armistice Day, and remembered the 36,000 legionnaires and foreign volunteers who were killed or wounded during WWI. See the photos.
3e REI: 2022 Fourragere Day
As usual in September, the French Foreign Legion’s 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) celebrated the regimental holiday, called Fourragere Day. See the nice images of this important event.
3e REI: 2022 Victory in Europe Day
In French Guiana of South America, on May 8, 2022, the French Foreign Legion’s 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) commemorated Victory in Europe Day. The ceremony took place in Kourou, its garrison town.
Lieutenant Colonel Brochet de Vaugrigneuse
The 15th of April marks the day when Lieutenant Colonel Maurice Brochet de Vaugrigneuse, the then temporary commanding officer of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), was killed during the war in Algeria, in 1957. This article was written in memory of this little-known, almost forgotten officer of the Foreign Legion.
3e REI: New Tracked Articulated Vehicle
In January 2022, the French Foreign Legion’s 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), stationed in French Guiana of South America, tested a new tracked articulated, all-terrain carrier HT270.
3e REI: 2021 Bugler Course
A traditional bugler course for its future regimental buglers was organized by the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) in French Guiana in recent weeks. See the photos.
Foreign Legion: 2021 Armistice Day
The 11th of November marks Armistice Day in France. That day the entire nation commemorate the end of hostilities of World War I. Thus last Thursday, on November 11, the French Foreign Legion – as well as the rest of the French Armed Forces – commemorated the 103rd Armistice Day, and remembered the 36,000 legionnaires and foreign volunteers being killed or wounded during the war. See the photos.
3e REI: 2021 Introduction Course
Every year between May and September, the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) admits new arrivals who are to serve with this prestigious unit in South America’s French Guiana. Before their definitive assignment to the regiment, they have to pass an initial introduction course in the jungle.
3e REI: 2021 Eryx anti-tank missile course
In French Guiana in early February 2021, six legionnaires of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) had successfully finished their Eryx course and became Eryx gunners.