On November 11, 2018, Foreign Legion units commemorated the 100th Armistice Day marking the end of hostilities of World War I. They also remembered the 36,000 legionnaires and foreign volunteers being killed or wounded during the war. It’s not so surprising that in France between 1914-18, the RMLE (Foreign Legion Regimental Combat Team, now 3e REI) became the most decorated unit of the then French Army.
Foreign Legion’s Repair Companies in French Indochina 1946-56
Learn about repair companies of the French Foreign Legion serving in then French Indochina during the First Indochina War (1946-54). Very little-known units, even in France, these companies provided an important support to French troops during military operations aimed at the Viet Minh.
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French Foreign Legion: New Commander
August 1, 2018, General Denis Mistral became the new Commander of the French Foreign Legion. He replaced General Jean Maurin, a former Legion paratrooper, who spent long four years by heading this famous institution. Usually, the office is held for two years.
Foreign Legion: 2018 Wounded Soldier Day
Between June 22-23, 2018, the Foreign Legion HQ participated in the French Army’s Journée des Blessés (Wounded Soldier Day) and arranged a meeting + several cohesion activities for its wounded legionnaires.
Foreign Legion’s Engineering Companies in the First Indochina War
Learn about engineering companies of the French Foreign Legion serving in then French Indochina during the First Indochina War (1946-54). Although very little-known units, even in France, these companies were among first Foreign Legion elements joining the military operations in Indochina and provided an important combat support in the following war.
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New documentary: Battle of Camerone
Last week, the French Foreign Legion released its own documentary dedicated to the Battle of Camerone. The battle is a holy symbol of the Foreign Legion and an example of bravery and determination of fighting until the finish.
10th March 1831: When a Legion was created
187 years ago, on March 10, 1831, a royal ordinance of Louis Philippe I, King of the French was issued. It ordered the establishment of a Foreign Legion. The current French Foreign Legion has officially derived its origin from this Legion established in 1831. Nevertheless, the lineage of the current Legion is far more complex.
Foreign Legion: French Documentaries 2018
In January and February 2018, two French TV channels published new documentaries portraying the Foreign Legion, its recruiment process, basic training at the farm near Castelnaudary and the life in the Legion. Enjoy watching these interesting videos.