On July 23, 2019, the 16th stage of the famous Tour de France, an annual three-week bicycle race held in France, started and also finished in Nimes. A city in the Occitanie region of southern France with many Roman Empire monuments. And the garrison town of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI), the longest-serving regiment of the Foreign Legion.
Foreign Legion: 2019 Bastille Day
On the 14th July 2019, Foreign Legion regiments participated in ceremonies in their garrison towns to celebrate the French National Day (called Bastille Day in the English-speaking world). See some nice images.
Bastille Day Military Parade 2019
Since 1880, a large military parade occurs in Paris each 14 July, the French national day, called Bastille Day in English-speaking countries. Traditionally, the Bastille Day military parade takes place on the Champs-Elysées, a well-known avenue in the 8th arrondissement. The Foreign Legion participated in the parade for the very first time with their white kepis in 1939. Even last Sunday, the legionnaires showed up in the ceremony.
2e REP: Jumping from Airbus A400M
In early July 2019, legionnaires of the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP), the only airborne unit of the French Foreign Legion, were jumping for the very first time from the Airbus A400M, a European modern four-engine military transport aircraft.
80 years ago: In Morocco, another Foreign Legion cavalry regiment was established
See a fully reworked article dealing with the history of a lesser-known Foreign Legion cavalry regiment being established in North Africa in early July 1939. Nicknamed Dauphin Etranger, its legionnaires maintained order in Morocco or took part in the Battle of France in 1940. They also fought in the Algerian War until 1962, when the war was over. Unfortunately, the same year, this regiment became the first victim of the following post-colonial reorganization of the Legion.
Read more80 years ago: In Morocco, another Foreign Legion cavalry regiment was established
2e REG: 20 years ago, the youngest regiment of the Foreign Legion was born
On the 1st of July 1999, the 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2e REG), the youngest regiment of the French Foreign Legion, was born. Nevertheless, the embryo of the future unit came into existence as far back as in March 1998. Discover the interesting history between September 1997 and July 1999, which preceded the official establishment of the current 2e REG.
Read more2e REG: 20 years ago, the youngest regiment of the Foreign Legion was born
Foreign Legion Music: 2019 Grand Prix F1
The French Foreign Legion Music band was invited to open the 2019 French Grand Prix, a Formula One motor race taking place at the Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, southeastern France on June 23, 2019. See some nice pictures.
Foreign Legion: 2019 Wounded Soldier Day
Between June 21-22, 2019, the Foreign Legion participated in the French Army’s Journée des Blessés (Wounded Soldier Day). The Legion’s HQ arranged a meeting with a concert + several cohesion activities for its wounded legionnaires.
New Documentary 2019: Creation of a legionnaire – an American in the Legion
Yesterday, June 16, the French public TV channel France 2 released a new interesting documentary about the recruiting and selection process of the French Foreign Legion, entitled Creation of a legionnaire (Fabrique d’un légionnaire). For the English-speaking world, this documentary would be more interesting thanks to an American volunteer being a main protagonist of the film.
Read moreNew Documentary 2019: Creation of a legionnaire – an American in the Legion
2e REI: He joined the Legion in 1979. He leaves in 2019, after 40 years of service
In the morning of June 11, 2019, a senior non-commissioned officer of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI) leaves the regiment and also the French Foreign Legion, after his long 40 years of service spent with this famous institution.
Read more2e REI: He joined the Legion in 1979. He leaves in 2019, after 40 years of service
3e REI: Two jungle courses at CEFE 2019
In May 2019, the famous Jungle Training Center (CEFE) of the Foreign Legion’s 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI) in French Guiana saw two jungle courses prepared for future French officers and for Czech Army instructors.