French Foreign Legion
The Legion emblem.
Active	10 March 1831—present
Country	France
Branch	French Army
Size	Nine regiments and one sub-unit
Garrison/HQ	Aubagne (Headquarters) Metropolitan France (5 regiments) French Guiana (3rd Infantry Regiment) Djibouti (13th Half-Brigade) Mayotte (Detachment)
Motto	"Legio Patria Nostra" (The Legion is our Homeland) "Honneur et Fidélité" (Honour and Fidelity) "Marche ou crève" (March or die, unofficial)
March	Le Boudin
Anniversaries	Camerone Day (April 30) and Christmas
Commanders
Current commander	Brigade General Louis Pichot de Champfleury

The French Foreign Legion (French: Légion étrangère) is a unique elite unit within the French Army established in 1831. It was created as a unit for foreign volunteers, because foreigners were forbidden to enlist in the French Army after the July Revolution in 1830. Legionnaire is a 1998 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme as a 1920s boxer who wins a fight after having been hired by gangsters to lose it, then flees to join the French Foreign Legion. ... is the 69th day of the year (70th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... Image File history File links This is a lossless scalable vector image. ... The French Army, officially the Armée de Terre (Army of the land), is the land-based component of the French Armed Forces and the largest. ... Aubagne is a small city and a commune of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France, located 17 km east of Marseille. ... Metropolitan France Metropolitan France (French: or la Métropole) is the part of France located in Europe, including Corsica (French: Corse). ... Le Boudin is the official march of the French Foreign Legion. ... Combatants Mexico France Commanders Colonel Milan Capitaine Danjou † Strength 800 cavalry, 1200 infantry 65 Casualties 300-500 62 killed, 3 captured The Battle of Camarón took place on (30 April 1863) between the French Foreign Legion and the Mexican army. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... For other uses, see Christmas (disambiguation). ... Brigade General is a rank used in many armies to denote the lowest rank of general, corresponding to command of a brigade. ... The French Army, officially the Armée de Terre (Army of the land), is the land-based component of the French Armed Forces and the largest. ... This page discusses foreign volunteers who are serving in forces of a country other than their own, but who are not primarily motivated by personal profit. ... // The French Revolution of 1830, also known as the July Revolution, saw the overthrow of King Charles X, the last of the House of Bourbons, and the ascension of his cousin Louis-Philippe, the Duc dOrléans, who himself, after eighteen precarious years on the throne, would in turn...

The Legion was primarily used to protect and expand the French colonial empire during the 19th century, but it also fought in all French wars including the Franco-Prussian War and both World Wars.-1... Combatants Second French Empire North German Confederation allied with South German states (later German Empire) Commanders Napoleon III François Achille Bazaine Patrice de Mac-Mahon, duc de Magenta Otto von Bismarck Helmuth von Moltke the Elder Strength 400,000 at wars beginning 1,200,000 Casualties 150,000... A world war is a war affecting the majority of the worlds major nations. ...

Although considered an anachronism by some, the Foreign Legion has remained an important part of the French Army. It has survived three republics, one empire, two World Wars, the rise and fall of mass conscript armies, the dismantling of the French colonial empire and, finally, the French loss of the legion's birthplace, Algeria. Look up Anachronism in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Map of the French Second Empire Capital Paris Language(s) French Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1852-1870 Napoleon III Legislature Parliament  - Upper house Senate  - Lower house Corps législatif History  - French coup of 1851 December 2 1851  - Established 1852  - Disestablished September 4, 1870 Currency French Franc The Second French Empire or... “Conscript” redirects here. ...

The French Foreign Legion is known as an elite military unit whose training focuses not only on traditional military skills but also on its strong esprit de corps. As its men come from different countries with different cultures, this is a widely accepted solution to strengthen them enough to work as a team. Consequently, training is often described as not only physically challenging, but also extremely psychologically stressful. Look up esprit in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

History

Main article: History of the French Foreign Legion

The French Foreign Legion was created by Louis Philippe, then King of the French, on March 10, 1831. The direct reason was that foreigners were forbidden to serve in the French Army after the 1830 July Revolution.^[1] The French Foreign Legion have had a long and unique history amongst the units of the French Army. ... Louis-Philippe I, King of the French (October 6, 1773 – August 26, 1850) was King of the French from 1830 to 1848 in what was known as the July Monarchy. ... Kings ruled in France from the Middle Ages to 1848. ... is the 69th day of the year (70th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Leopold I 1831 (MDCCCXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... // The French Revolution of 1830, also known as the July Revolution, saw the overthrow of King Charles X, the last of the House of Bourbons, and the ascension of his cousin Louis-Philippe, the Duc dOrléans, who himself, after eighteen precarious years on the throne, would in turn...

The purpose of the Legion was to remove disruptive elements from society and put them to use fighting the enemies of France. Recruits included failed revolutionaries from the rest of Europe, soldiers from the disbanded foreign regiments, and troublemakers in general, both foreign and French. Algeria was designated as the Legion's home; as the colony was proving to be a very unpopular posting with regular regiments in the French Army, the introduction of the Legion was well received.^{[citation needed]}

In late 1831, the first Legionnaires landed in Algeria, the country that would be the Legion's homeland for 130 years and shape its character. The early years in Algeria were hard for Legionnaires because they were often sent to the worst postings, received the worst assignments and were generally uninterested in the new colony of the French.^[2]

The Legion's first service in Algeria came to an end after only four years, since it was needed elsewhere.

The French Foreign Legion in Spain

Main article: First Carlist War

To support Isabella's claim to the Spanish throne against her uncle, the French government decided to send the Legion to Spain. On 28 June 1835, the unit was handed over to the Spanish government. The Legion landed at Tarragona on 17 August with around 4,000 men, and were quickly dubbed Los Argelinos (the Algerians) by locals because of their previous posting. Combatants Carlists supporting Infante Carlos of Spain Portuguese loyal to Miguel of Portugal Liberals (Isabelinos or Cristinos) supporting Isabella II of Spain and her regent mother Maria Christina Great Britain France Portuguese loyal to Pedro IV Commanders Tomás de Zumalacárregui Ramón Cabrera Rafael Maroto Sebestian Gabriel de... Isabella II (October 10, 1830 – April 10, 1904), Isabel II in Spanish, was Queen regnant of Spain (Queen of the Spains officially from August 13, 1836, Isabella II the queen of Castile, Leon, Aragon,...) // Isabella was born in Madrid in 1830 and was the eldest daughter of Ferdinand VII, king... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... | Come and take it, slogan of the Texas Revolution 1835 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Tarragona (IPA: in Catalan) is a city located in the south of Catalonia, northeastern Spain, by the Mediterranean Sea. ... is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

The Legion's commander immediately dissolved the national battalions to improve the esprit de corps. Later, he also created three squadrons of lancers and an artillery battery from the existing force to increase independence and flexibility.

The Legion was dissolved on 8 December 1838, when it had dropped to only 500 men. The survivors returned to France, many reenlisting in the new Legion along with many of their former Carlist enemies. is the 342nd day of the year (343rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... | Jöns Jakob Berzelius, discoverer of protein 1838 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... Carlism restored the cross of Burgundy assimilated by the Spanish Bourbons through the Spanish Habsburgs and used as flag of the Spanish empire. ...

Mexico

Main article: Battle of Camarón

Battle of Camarón.

It was in Mexico on 30 April 1863 that the Legion earned its legendary status. A company led by Capitaine Danjou, numbering 62 soldiers and 3 officers, was escorting a convoy to the besieged city of Puebla when it was attacked and besieged by two thousand members of the Mexican Army,^[3] organized in three battalions of infantry and cavalry, numbering 1,200 and 800 respectively. The patrol was forced to make a defence in Hacienda Camarón, and despite the hopelessness of the situation, fought nearly to the last man. When only five survivors remained, out of ammunition, a bayonet charge was conducted in which three of the five were killed. The remaining two were brought before the Mexican general, who allowed them to return to France as an honour guard for the body of Capitaine Danjou. The captain had a wooden hand which was stolen during the battle; it was later returned to the legion and is now kept in a case in the Foreign Legion museum at Aubagne, and paraded annually on Camerone day. Combatants Mexico France Commanders Colonel Milan Capitaine Danjou † Strength 800 cavalry, 1200 infantry 65 Casualties 300-500 62 killed, 3 captured The Battle of Camarón took place on (30 April 1863) between the French Foreign Legion and the Mexican army. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1140x1124, 374 KB) [edit] Description  Dessin perso daprés oeuvre deugéne Lelièpvre. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (1140x1124, 374 KB) [edit] Description  Dessin perso daprés oeuvre deugéne Lelièpvre. ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Capitaine Jean Danjou (15 April 1828 - 30 April 1863 was a highly decorated captain in the French Foreign Legion. ... In military terminology, a battalion consists of two to six companies typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel. ...

Franco-Prussian War

Main article: Franco-Prussian War

According to French law, the Legion was not to be used within Metropolitan France except in the case of a national invasion and, thus, it was not a part of Napoleon III’s Imperial Army that capitulated at Sedan. With the defeat of the Imperial Army, the Second French Empire fell and the Third Republic was created. Combatants Second French Empire North German Confederation allied with South German states (later German Empire) Commanders Napoleon III François Achille Bazaine Patrice de Mac-Mahon, duc de Magenta Otto von Bismarck Helmuth von Moltke the Elder Strength 400,000 at wars beginning 1,200,000 Casualties 150,000... Metropolitan France Metropolitan France (French: or la Métropole) is the part of France located in Europe, including Corsica (French: Corse). ... Combatants Prussia Bavaria France Commanders Wilhelm I Helmuth von Moltke Napoleon III Patrice MacMahon Auguste-Alexandre Ducrot Strength 200,000 774 cannon 120,000 564 cannon Casualties 2,320 dead 5,980 wounded 700 missing (9,000 total) 3,000 dead 14,000 wounded 21,000 captured 82,000 surrendered... Map of the French Second Empire Capital Paris Language(s) French Government Monarchy Emperor  - 1852-1870 Napoleon III Legislature Parliament  - Upper house Senate  - Lower house Corps législatif History  - French coup of 1851 December 2 1851  - Established 1852  - Disestablished September 4, 1870 Currency French Franc The Second French Empire or... Motto Liberté, égalité, fraternité (Liberty, equality, brotherhood) Anthem La Marseillaise The French Third Republic, pre-World War I Capital Paris Language(s) French Religion Roman Catholicism, protestantism and judaism official religions (until 1905), None (from 1905 until 1940) (Law on the separation of Church and State of 1905) Government Republic...

The problem was that the new Third Republic was desperately short of trained soldiers, so the Legion was ordered to provide a contingent. On 11 October, two provisional battalions disembarked at Toulon, the first time the Legion had been deployed in France itself. They attempted to lift the Siege of Paris by breaking through the German lines. They succeeded in re-taking Orléans, but failed to break the siege. is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Panorama of Toulon area. ... Combatants Prussia, Baden Bavaria, Württemberg (later German Empire) France Commanders Wilhelm I of Germany Helmuth von Moltke Louis Jules Trochu Joseph Vinoy Strength 240,000 regulars 200,000 regulars 200,000 militia and sailors Casualties 12,000 dead or wounded 24,000 dead or wounded 146,000 captured 47... The Second Battle of Orléans was a battle of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 Block quote [[ the second german ARMy under von motke joined the 5 calvary and went to attack orleans . ...

19th century colonial warfare

During the Third Republic, the Legion played a major role in French colonial expansion. They fought in North Africa (where they established their headquarters at Sidi-Bel-Abbès in Algeria), Benin, Madagascar, and Indochina, where they participated in the celebrated Siege of Tuyen Quang in 1885. Motto Liberté, égalité, fraternité (Liberty, equality, brotherhood) Anthem La Marseillaise The French Third Republic, pre-World War I Capital Paris Language(s) French Religion Roman Catholicism, protestantism and judaism official religions (until 1905), None (from 1905 until 1940) (Law on the separation of Church and State of 1905) Government Republic... Sidi Bel Abbes (Arabic: ولاية سيدي بلعباس ) is one of the wilayas, or provinces, of Algeria in Saharan Africa, as well that wilayas capital. ... Indochina 1886 Indochina, or the Indochinese Peninsula, is a region in Southeast Asia. ... The Siege of Tuyen Quang saw two companies of the First Battalion of the 2nd Foreign Regiment of the French Foreign Legion, commanded by Major Dominé of the Troupes de Marine, besieged by forces of the Empire of China from 23 November 1884 to 28 February 1885. ...

World War I

In World War I, the Legion fought in many critical battles of the war, on the Western Front including Artois, Champagne, Somme, Aisne, Verdun (in 1917) and also suffered heavy casualties during 1918. The Legion was also in the Dardanelles and Macedonian front, and the Legion was highly decorated for its efforts. Many young foreigners, including Americans like Fred Zinn, volunteered for the Legion when the war broke out in 1914. There were marked differences between such idealistic volunteers and the hardened mercenaries of the old Legion, making assimilation difficult. As most European countries and the US were drawn into the War, such "duration only" volunteers were generally released from the Legion to join their respective national armies. Citizens of the Central Powers serving with the Legion on the outbreak of war were normally drafted to garrisons in North Africa to avoid problems of divided loyalties. “The Great War ” redirects here. ... Combatants France United Kingdom German Empire Commanders Joseph Joffre Unknown Strength 9 French & British divisions (initial) Unknown Casualties 100,000 French 11,000 British 75,000 A battle on the Western Front of World War I, the First Battle of Artois was fought at the same time as the Second... The Second Battle of Champagne begun on September 25-November 6th 1915. ... For other battles known as Battle of the Somme, see Battle of the Somme (disambiguation). ... Combatants France German Empire Commanders Robert Nivelle Charles Mangin François Anthoine Mazel von Boehm Fritz von Below Strength 1. ... Capital Verdun Government Republic Historical era Middle Ages  - Established Uncertain  - Three Bishoprics     annexed by France   1552  - Treaty of Westphalia     recognises annexation   1648 For other uses see Verdun (disambiguation) Verdun (medieval German: Wirten, official name before 1970 Verdun-sur-Meuse) is a city and commune in the Lorraine région, northeast... 1918 (MCMXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar. ... Combatants British Empire Australia British India Newfoundland New Zealand United Kingdom Egyptian labourers[1] France Senegal  Ottoman Empire Commanders Sir Ian Hamilton Lord Kitchener John de Robeck Otto von Sanders Mustafa Kemal Strength 5 divisions (initial) 16 divisions (final) 6 divisions (initial) 15 divisions (final) Casualties 252,000[2] 195... Combatants Central Powers:  Austria-Hungary  German Empire Bulgaria Allied Powers: Serbia  France (1915-1918) United Kingdom (1915-1918) Greece (1916-1918) Italy (1916-1918) Commanders August von Mackensen Oskar Potiorek Nikola Zhekov Petar Bojović Živojin MiÅ¡ić Maurice Sarrail Adolphe Guillaumat Franchet dEsperey George Milne Panagiotis Danglis Conquest of... Friedrich Wilhelm Fred Zinn of Battle Creek, Michigan, was one of the volunteer American aviators who flew with the French Aéronautique Militaire in World War I. He is one of the early pioneers of using aerial photography for wartime reconnaissance. ... Kaiser Wilhelm II, Mehmed V, Franz Joseph: The three emperors of the Central Powers in World War I. European military alliances in 1914. ...

Between the World Wars

In 1932, the Legion comprised 30,000 men in 6 multi-battalion regiments:

• 1st - Algeria and Syria'
• 2d, 3d, and 4th - Morocco
• 5th - Indochina
• 1st Cavalry - Tunisia and Morocco

World War II

The Foreign Legion was heavily involved in World War II, playing a large role in the Middle East and the North African campaign. The 13th Demi-Brigade was deployed in the Battle of Bir Hakeim. Interestingly, part of the Legion joined the Free French movement, yet another part was loyal to the Vichy government. A battle in the Syria-Lebanon campaign of June 1941 saw legionnaire fighting legionnaire as the 13th Demi-Brigade (D.B.L.E.) clashed with the 6th Regiment Etranger d'Infanterie at Damas in Syria. Later 1,000 of the rank and file of the Vichy Legion unit joined the 13th D.B.L.E. of the Free French forces as a third battalion. Following the war many German soldiers joined the legion. Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... The 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (French: ) is an infantry demi-brigade in the French Foreign Legion. ... Combatants Free French Forces Afrika Korps Commanders Marie Pierre Koenig Erwin Rommel Strength 3703  ? Casualties 140 Dead, 229 Wounded, 814 Captured 3300 Dead and Wounded, 277 Captured The Battle of Bir Hakeim (May 26, 1942 - June 11, 1942) is a World War II battle following the Afrika Korps 1942 campaign. ... The Free French Forces (Forces Françaises Libres in French) were French fighters who decided to go on fighting against Germany after the Fall of France and German occupation and to fight against Vichy France in World War II. General Charles de Gaulle was a member of the French Cabinet in... Motto Travail, famille, patrie French: Unoccupied zone of Vichy France (until November 1942) Capital Vichy Capital-in-exile Sigmaringen (1944-1945) Language(s) French Religion Roman Catholic Government Dictatorship Chief of state  - 1940 — 1944 Philippe Pétain President of the Council  - 1940 — 1942 Philippe Pétain  - 1942 — 1944 Pierre Laval... Combatants Australia U.K. British India British Palestine  Czechoslovakia Government-in-Exile Free France Vichy France Mandate of Syria Mandate of Lebanon Commanders Henry Maitland Wilson Henri Dentz Strength Approximately 35,000 troops Australian: 18,000 British: 9,000 Indian: 2,000 Free French: 5,000 Between 35,000 and...

First Indochina War

Uniforms of the Foreign Legion paratroopers during the First Indochina War.

Battle of Kolwezi, 1978.

Units of the Legion were involved in the defense of Dien Bien Phu during the First Indochina War and lost a large number of men in the battle. Towards the desperate end of the battle, Legionnaires formed the bulk of the volunteer relief force delivered by parachute to the base.^{[citation needed]} Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (700x800, 113 KB) [edit] Description  dessin de jp Négre; fait daprés photos de magazines. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (700x800, 113 KB) [edit] Description  dessin de jp Négre; fait daprés photos de magazines. ... Belligerents French Union France, State of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Viet Minh Commanders French Expeditionary Corps Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque (1945-46) Jean-Étienne Valluy (1946-8) Roger Blaizot (1948-9) Marcel-Maurice Carpentier (1949-50) Jean de Lattre de Tassigny (1950-51) Raoul Salan (1952-3) Henri Navarre (1953-4... Image File history File links Mortier2. ... Image File history File links Mortier2. ... Kolwezi is a city in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, west of Likasi in the province of Katanga. ... Combatants French Union France State of Vietnam Hmong mercenaries Viet Minh Commanders Christian de Castries # Pierre Langlais # René Cogny Vo Nguyen Giap Strength As of March 13: 10,800[1] As of March 13: 48,000 combat personnel, 15,000 logistical support personnel[2] Casualties 2,293 dead, 5,195... Belligerents French Union France, State of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos Viet Minh Commanders French Expeditionary Corps Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque (1945-46) Jean-Étienne Valluy (1946-8) Roger Blaizot (1948-9) Marcel-Maurice Carpentier (1949-50) Jean de Lattre de Tassigny (1950-51) Raoul Salan (1952-3) Henri Navarre (1953-4...

Algerian War

The Legion was heavily engaged in fighting against the National Liberation Front and other, smaller groups in the Algerian War of Independence from 1954 to 1962. Notable operations included the Battle of Algiers and various offensives launched by General Maurice Challe including Operations Oranie and Jumelles. National Liberation Front is a common name for guerrilla organisations fighting to free their country from foreign rule, or at least claiming to be such an organisation. ... Combatants FLN (1954-62) MNA (1954-62) France (1954-62) FAF (1960-61) OAS (1961-62) Commanders Mostefa Benboulaïd Ferhat Abbas Hocine Aït Ahmed Ahmed Ben Bella Krim Belkacem Larbi Ben MHidi Rabah Bitat Mohamed Boudiaf Messali Hadj General Jacques Massu General Maurice Challe Bachaga Said Boualam... DVD cover The Battle of Algiers (in Italian, La Battaglia di Algeri) is a 1966 black-and-white film by Gillo Pontecorvo based on the Algerian War of Independence from 1954 until 1962 against the French occupation. ...

Post-colonial Africa

In spite of the view on the part of some that the Legion had by 1962 become an anachronism, the Legion found a new role as a rapid intervention force to preserve French interests not only in its former African colonies but in other nations as well. Some notable operations include: the Suez Crisis in 1956; the Chadian-Libyan conflict in 1969-72, 1978-79, and 1983-87; Kolwezi in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 1978; Rwanda in 1990-94; and the Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast) in 2002 to the present. Combatants Israel United Kingdom France Egypt Commanders Moshe Dayan Charles Keightley Pierre Barjot Gamal Abdel Nasser Abdel Hakim Amer Strength 175,000 Israeli 45,000 British 34,000 French 70,000 Casualties 197 Israeli KIA 56 British KIA 91 British WIA 10 French KIA 43 French WIA 650 KIA[1... Combatants Libya GUNT Chad France Zaire Commanders Muammar al-Gaddafi Goukouni Oueddei Hissène Habré Casualties Thousands Unknown The Chadian-Libyan conflict was a state of sporadic warfare events in Chad between 1978 and 1987, opposing Libya and Chad; but Libyan involvement in Chads internal affairs predated 1978 and... Kolwezi is a city in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, west of Likasi in the province of Katanga. ...

The Gulf War

In September 1990, the 2e REI, 6e REG and 1e REC were sent to the Persian Gulf as a part of Opération Daguet. They were a part of the French 6th Light Armoured Division, whose mission was to protect the coalition's left flank. The 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 2e Régiment étranger de génie) (2e REG) is one of two Combat engineering regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (French: 1er Régiment étranger de cavalerie) (1e REC) is the only armoured cavalry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Map of the Persian Gulf. ... An AMX-30 of the French 6th Light Armored Division bivouaced near Al-Salman during Operation Desert Storm. ...

After a four-week air campaign the coalition forces began the ground campaign. It quickly penetrated deep into Iraq, with the Legion taking the Al Salman airport, meeting little resistance. The war ended after a hundred hours ground fighting and very light casualties for the Legion. For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Iraq war (disambiguation). ...

Emulation

Spanish Foreign Legion

The Spanish Foreign Legion was created in 1920, in emulation of the French one, and had a significant role in Spain's colonial wars in Morocco and in the Spanish Civil War (on the Nationalist side). Unlike its French model, the number of non-Spanish recruits never exceeded 25%, and most of these were in fact Latin Americans of Spanish descent. The Spanish Foreign Legion was founded by General Milian Astry in February 1920 as the Spanish equivelent to the French Foreign Legion. ... Not to be confused with the Spanish Civil War of 1820-1823. ... Latin America consists of the countries of South America and some of North America (including Central America and some the islands of the Caribbean) whose inhabitants mostly speak Romance languages, although Native American languages are also spoken. ...

KNIL, the Dutch "Foreign Legion"

Though not having the name "Foreign Legion", the Dutch "KNIL" - acronym for Koninklijk Nederlandsch-Indische Leger or the Royal Netherlands-Indian Army (in reference to the Dutch East Indies; currently Indonesia) was created at the same time as the French legion (1830) but stopped being a foreign legion when it started to recruit only Dutch and Dutch colonials around 1900. It was finally disbanded after the granting of independence to Indonesia in 1949. This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

Disbanded unit and attempted coup

Further information: Generals' Putsch

The 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment (1er Régiment Étranger Parachutiste, 1er REP) was established in 1955 during the Algerian War and disbanded in April 1961 as the entire regiment rose against the French government of Charles de Gaulle (Algiers Putsch), in protest against moves to negotiate an end to the Algerian War. Following Algerian Independence in 1962, the Legion was reduced in numbers but avoided the wholesale disbandments of most other units comprising the "Army of Africa" (Spahis, Zouaves, Tirailleurs, Meharistes, Harkis, Goums and Chasseurs d'Afrique). The intention seems to have been to retain a professional force which could be used for military interventions outside France and not involve the politically unpopular use of French conscripts. The abolition of conscription in France in 2001 and the creation of an entirely professional army might be expected to put the Legion's long-term future at risk, and indeed when Paris contributed a 2,000-strong contingent to the U.N. force in Lebanon in 2006, it included only 200 Legion engineers. The Algiers putsch (or Generals putsch) took place on 23 April 1961 in the midst of the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962). ... Combatants FLN (1954-62) MNA (1954-62) France (1954-62) FAF (1960-61) OAS (1961-62) Commanders Mostefa Benboulaïd Ferhat Abbas Hocine Aït Ahmed Ahmed Ben Bella Krim Belkacem Larbi Ben MHidi Rabah Bitat Mohamed Boudiaf Messali Hadj Paul Cherrière (1954-55) Henri Lorillot (1955-56... For other uses, see Charles de Gaulle (disambiguation). ... The Algiers putsch (or Generals putsch) took place on 23 April 1961 in the midst of the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962). ... The Spanish Army of Africa was a Spanish field army that administered Spanish Morocco until Moroccos independence. ... Spahis (also spelled as Sipahis, Sepahis or Spakh, in Turkish sipahi) were an elite mounted force within the Six Divisions of Cavalry of the Ottoman Empire. ... A French zouave from 1888 wearing white summer trousers instead of the usual red. ... Tirailleur means sharpshooter in French. ... Mehariste is a French word that roughly translates to Camel cavalry. ... Harki (from the Arabic Harka: troop or band of warriors) was the generic Algerian term for Muslim Algerians serving as auxiliaries with the French Army, during the Algerian War of Independence from 1954 to 1962. ... Goums were nomadic irregular soldiers from North Africa, serving with colonial armies. ... The Chasseurs dAfrique (Hunters of Africa) were a light cavalry corps in the French Armée dAfrique (Army of Africa). ...

Legion membership

Légionnaires in Saudi Arabia.

While most of the Legion's commissioned officers are French, approximately 10% of them are former Legionnaires who have risen through the ranks. The foreign volunteers are primarily European. Before and during World War II, many Jews from Eastern Europe fled to France and ended up enlisting in the Legion. After the fall of the Third Reich, Germans (long a major presence in the legion) accounted for roughly sixty percent of the manpower,^{[citation needed]} with many former German troops coming directly from World War II POW camps (Bernard B. Fall, a leading expert on French Indochina and author of Street without Joy and Hell in a Very Small Place, disputes this figure and claims that at most, Germans only made up thirty-five percent of the Legion in the post-WWII period). The novel Devil's Guard describes a former Waffen-SS member's brutal experience of joining the Legion and fighting with fellow former SS against the Vietminh in Indochina. During the mid-1980s, the Legion contained large contingents of British and Serbian nationals. The present day has seen an increasing number of recruits from African and Balkan countries. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 525 pixelsFull resolution (2820 × 1850 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 525 pixelsFull resolution (2820 × 1850 pixel, file size: 1. ... In military organizations, a commissioned officer is a member of the service who derives authority directly from a sovereign power, and as such holds a commission from that power. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Languages Historical Jewish languages Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, others Liturgical languages: Hebrew and Aramaic Predominant spoken languages: The vernacular language of the home nation in the Diaspora, significantly including English, Hebrew, Yiddish, and Russian Religions Judaism Related ethnic groups Arabs and other Semitic groups For the Jewish religion, see Judaism. ... Statistical regions of Europe as delineated by the United Nations (UN definition of Eastern Europe marked red):  Northern Europe  Western Europe  Eastern Europe  Southern Europe Pre-1989 division between the West (grey) and Eastern Bloc (orange) superimposed on current borders: Russia (dark orange), other countries formerly part of the USSR... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ... The Bundeswehr is the armed forces of Germany. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000... Geneva Convention definition A prisoner of war (POW) is a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine who is imprisoned by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict. ... Bernard B. Fall (November 19, 1926-February 21, 1967) was a prominent war correspondent, historian, political scientist, and expert on Indochina during the 1950s and 1960s. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... Waffen-SS recruitment poster; Volunteer to the Waffen-SS The Waffen-SS was the armed wing of the Schutzstaffel. ... Waffen-SS recruitment poster; Volunteer to the Waffen-SS The Waffen-SS was the armed wing of the Schutzstaffel. ... The Viet Minh (abbreviated from Việt Nam Ðộc Lập Ðồng Minh Hội, League for the Independence of Vietnam) was formed by Ho Ngoc Lam and Nguyen Hai Than in 1941 to seek independence for Vietnam from France. ... Languages Serbian Religions Predominantly Serbian Orthodox Christian Related ethnic groups Other Slavic peoples, especially South Slavs See Cognate peoples below (* many Serbs opted for Yugoslav ethnicity) [27] Serbs (Serbian: Срби or Srbi) are a South Slavic people who live mainly in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and, to a lesser extent, in... World map showing location of Africa A satellite composite image of Africa Africa is the worlds second_largest continent in both area and population, after Asia. ... ...

The Legion's ranks historically were filled with enlistees from countries which were undergoing some sort of crisis. While no serious studies were made of the motives for enlistment, it seems likely that many recruits were simply transient foreigners who found themselves in France and out of work. In recent generations, however, many of those joining have come from middle-class backgrounds in stable prosperous countries such as Britain and the US (and indeed France itself). During the late 1980s, the Legion saw a massive intake of former UK soldiers who had left the British Army following its restructuring. At one point, the famous 2eme REP had a large number of British citizens amongst the ranks, which resulted in the standing joke of the unit being called 2eme PARA, in reference to the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment of the British Army. The Parachute Regiment redirects here, for the Indian regiment, see The Parachute Regiment (India) The Parachute Regiment is the Airborne Infantry element of the British Army. ...

Where as before, Legionnaires could choose to enlist under a pseudonym ("declared identity") and a declared citizenship, today it is obligatory for everyone who applies to change his name. This disposition exists in order to allow people who want to start their lives over to enlist. French citizens can enlist under a declared, fictitious, foreign citizenship (generally, a francophone one, often that of Canada or Monaco). After one year's service, Legionnaires can regularize their situation under their true identity. For other uses, see Alias. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

In the past, the Legion had a reputation for attracting criminals on the run and would-be mercenaries. In recent years, however, admission has been restricted much more severely, and background checks are done on all applicants. Generally speaking, convicted felons are prohibited from joining the service. For other uses, see Crime (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Mercenary (disambiguation). ...

After serving in the Legion for a certain period of time, a legionnaire may apply for French citizenship. A legionnaire of foreign nationality can ask for French nationality after three years service. He must be serving under his real name and no longer have problems with the authorities, and he must have served with “honour and fidelity” for at least three years. French nationality cannot be granted under declared identity. Furthermore, a soldier who becomes injured during a battle for France can apply for French citizenship under a provision known as “Français par le sang versé” (”French by spilled blood”). Citizen redirects here. ...

Composition

The sappers ("sapeurs") of the Foreign Legion traditionally feature large beards.

Previously, the Legion was not stationed in mainland France except in wartime. Until 1962, the Legion headquarters were located in Sidi-Bel-Abbès, Algeria. Nowadays, some units of the Legion are in Corsica or overseas possessions, while the rest is in the south of mainland France. Current headquarters are in Aubagne, France, just outside Marseille. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (668x784, 116 KB) [edit] Description  dessin de jp Négre daprés une photo de la revue Képi Blanc fr:User:Jp. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (668x784, 116 KB) [edit] Description  dessin de jp Négre daprés une photo de la revue Képi Blanc fr:User:Jp. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with combat engineering. ... For other uses, see Corsica (disambiguation). ... Aubagne is a small city and a commune of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France, located 17 km east of Marseille. ... City flag Coat of arms Motto: By her great deeds, the city of Massilia shines The Old Port of Marseille Location Time Zone CET (GMT +1) Coordinates Administration Country Region Provence-Alpes-Côte dAzur Department Bouches-du-Rhône (13) Subdivisions 16 arrondissements (in 8 secteurs) Intercommunality Urban...

There are nine regiments and one independent sub-unit :

• Mainland France
  • 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (1er REC), based in Orange (armoured troops),
  • 1st Foreign Regiment (1er RE), based in Aubagne (legion headquarters),
  • 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2e REI), based in Nîmes,
  • 4th Foreign Regiment (4e RE), based in Castelnaudary (training);
  • 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (1er REG), based in Laudun;
  • 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2e REG), based in St Christol;
• Corsica
  • 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e REP), based in Calvi, Corsica;
• French Overseas Territories and Overseas Collectives,
  • 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (3e REI), based in French Guiana,
  • Foreign Legion Detachment in Mayotte (DLEM);
• Africa
  • 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13 DBLE), based in Djibouti.

The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (French: 1er Régiment étranger de cavalerie) (1e REC) is the only armoured cavalry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Roman theatre at Orange, France Orange (Arenjo in Provençal) is a city in the département of Vaucluse, in the south of France. ... Military vehicles are commonly armoured to withstand the impact of shrapnel, bullets or shells, protecting the soldiers inside from enemy fire. ... Regimental badge of 1e RE. The 1st Foreign Regiment (French: 1er Régiment étranger) (1e RE) is the senior regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Aubagne is a small city and a commune of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in southern France, located 17 km east of Marseille. ... Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are concentrated. ... The 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: ) is a regiment of the French Foreign Legion. ... Nîmes (Provençal Occitan: Nimes in both classical and Mistralian norms) is a city and commune of southern France. ... Canal du Midi in Castelnaudary Castelnaudary is a commune of the Aude département in southwestern France. ... Regimental badge of 1e REG. The 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 1er régiment étranger de génie) (1er REG) is a Military engineer regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 2e Régiment étranger de génie) (2e REG) is one of two Combat engineering regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... For other uses, see Corsica (disambiguation). ... The 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (French: ) is an Airborne Commando regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Calvi from Citadel Calvi is a small town and commune of the Haute-Corse (2B) département, in France. ... For other uses, see Corsica (disambiguation). ... A Territoire doutre-mer (TOM, French for Overseas territory) is an administrative division of France. ... A collectivité doutre-mer (in English Overseas Community) or COM, is an administrative division of France. ... The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: 3e Régiment étranger dinfanterie) (3e REI) is a infantry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 13e Démi-Brigade de la Légion Étrangère (13e DBLE) is an infantry unit of the French Foreign Legion. ...

Current deployments

Paratroopers in Djibouti.

These deployments are current as of October 2007: Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 521 pixelsFull resolution (3008 × 1960 pixel, file size: 2. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 800 × 521 pixelsFull resolution (3008 × 1960 pixel, file size: 2. ...

Note: English names for countries or territories are in parentheses.

• Opérations extérieures (other than at home bases or on standard duties)
  • Guyane (French Guiana) Mission de presence sur l’Oyapok - Protection Ariane -3e REI
  • Republique Centrafricane (Central African Republic) Intervention 2e REI /EMT/CAC/1er Cie
  • Mayotte (Departmental Collectivity of Mayotte) Prevention DLEM; 1er REG/3e Cie
  • Djibouti Prevention 13 DBLE; 2e REI/3e Cie; 1er REG/1er Cie
  • Djibouti Prevention 5e RIAOM; 1er REC/5e Esc
  • Polynesie (French Polynesia) Cooperation 1er REG/section travaux
  • Liban (Lebanon) Intervention 2e REG/NEDEX
  • Afghanistan Intervention 2e REG/OMLT
  • Tchad (Chad) Intervention 2e REP/2e Cie/CEA/UCL; 1er REC/2e Esc

Not to be confused with Guyana or French Guinea. ... The 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: 3e Régiment étranger dinfanterie) (3e REI) is a infantry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Motto Unité, Dignité, Travail(French) Unity, Dignity, Work Anthem La Renaissance(French) E Zingo(Sango) Capital (and largest city) Bangui Official languages Sango, French Government Republic  -  President François Bozizé  -  Prime Minister Élie Doté Independence from France   -  Date August 13, 1960  Area  -  Total 622,984 km² (43rd) 240,534 sq... The 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: ) is a regiment of the French Foreign Legion. ... Anthem La Marseillaise Capital (and largest city) Mamoudzou Official languages French Government overseas collectivity of France  -  President of France Nicolas Sarkozy  -  President of the General Council Saïd Omar Oili Independence overseas collectivity of France   -  Voted to remain a territory of France 1974  Area  -  Total 374 km² (~185th) 144 sq... Regimental badge of 1e REG. The 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 1er régiment étranger de génie) (1er REG) is a Military engineer regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Regimental badge of the 13e demi-brigade de Légion étrangère The 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (French: 13e Démi-Brigade de Légion Étrangère) (13e DBLE) is an infantry demi-brigade in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: ) is a regiment of the French Foreign Legion. ... Regimental badge of 1e REG. The 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 1er régiment étranger de génie) (1er REG) is a Military engineer regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (French: 1er Régiment étranger de cavalerie) (1e REC) is the only armoured cavalry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... Motto Anthem La Marseillaise Capital (and largest city) Papeete Official languages French Government Dependent territory  -  President of France Nicolas Sarkozy  -  President of French Polynesia Oscar Temaru  -  High Commissioner of the Republic Anne Boquet Overseas dependency  -  Bastille Day 14 July (1789)  Area  -  Total 4,167 km² (173rd) 1,609 sq mi... Regimental badge of 1e REG. The 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 1er régiment étranger de génie) (1er REG) is a Military engineer regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... For other uses, see Lebanon (disambiguation). ... The 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 2e Régiment étranger de génie) (2e REG) is one of two Combat engineering regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (French: 2e Régiment étranger de génie) (2e REG) is one of two Combat engineering regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... For other uses, see Chad (disambiguation). ... The 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (French: ) is an Airborne Commando regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ... The 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment (French: 1er Régiment étranger de cavalerie) (1e REC) is the only armoured cavalry regiment in the French Foreign Legion. ...

The Legionnaire's Code of Honour

Every Legionnaire must know by heart the "Legionnaire's Code of Honour". The Legionnaires spend many hours learning it, reciting it, and then getting the vocal synchronization together:

Uniforms

Légionnaires in modern dress uniform. Note the green and red epaulettes and the distinctive white kepi. They carry France's standard assault rifle, the FAMAS.

From its foundation until World War I the Legion wore the uniform of the French line infantry for parade with a few special distinctions. The field uniform was often modified under the influence of the extremes of climate and terrain in which the Legion served. Shakos were soon replaced by the light cloth kepi which was far more suitable for North African conditions. One short lived aberration was the wearing of green uniforms in 1856 by Legion units recruited in Switzerland for service in the Crimean War. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (646x1192, 133 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: French Foreign Legion Kepi French Army ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (646x1192, 133 KB) File links The following pages link to this file: French Foreign Legion Kepi French Army ... French Kepis. ... The FAMAS (Fusil dAssaut de la Manufacture dArmes de St-Étienne, Assault Rifle by St-Étienne Arms Factory) is an assault rifle in bullpup configuration designed and manufactured in France by the Saint Étienne arms factory, which is a member of the French government-owned GIAT Industries complex. ... A Shako of a French Navy uniform of the 19th century. ... French Kepis. ... Combatants Allies: Second French Empire British Empire Ottoman Empire Kingdom of Sardinia Russian Empire Bulgarian volunteers Casualties 90,000 French 35,000 Turkish 17,500 British 2,194 Sardinian killed, wounded and died of disease ~134,000 killed, wounded and died of disease The Crimean War (1853–1856) was fought...

In the early 1900s the Legionnaire wore a red kepi with blue band and piping, dark blue tunic with red collar, red cuff patches, and red trousers. The most distinctive features were the green epaulettes (replacing the red of the line) worn with red woollen fringes; plus the embroidered Legion badge of a red flaming grenade, worn on the kepi front instead of a regimental number. In the field a light khaki cover was worn over the kepi, sometimes with a protective neck curtain attached. The standard medium-blue double breasted greatcoat (capote) of the French infantry was worn, usually buttoned back to free the legs for marching. Around the waist was a broad blue sash, copied from that of the Zouaves. The blue sash provided warmth and support as well as (supposedly) preventing intestine diseases. White linen trousers tucked into short leather leggings were substituted for red serge in hot weather. This was the origin of the "Beau Geste" image of the Legion. Epaulette pronunciation: ĕp-ǝ-lĕt, a French word meaning little shoulders (epaule, referring to shoulder), originally meant only one type of ornamental shoulder piece or decoration used as insignia or rank by military or other organizations. ... For the German DJ/producer team, see Sash!. // A sash consists of a cloth belt used to hold a robe together, and usually tied about the waist. ... A zouave from 1886. ... Beau Geste is one of the most re-made stories of all time, with three movie versions released in 1926, 1939, and 1966, as well as a television mini-series in 1982 and a 1977 parody, the aptly named The Last Remake of Beau Geste starring Marty Feldman and Michael...

In barracks a white bleached kepi cover was often worn together with a short dark blue jacket ("veste") or white blouse plus white trousers. The original kepi cover was khaki and due to constant washing turned white quickly. The white or khaki kepi cover was not unique to the Legion at this stage but was commonly seen amongst other French units in North Africa. It later became particularly identified with the Foreign Legion as the unit most likely to serve at remote frontier posts (other than locally recruited tirailleurs who wore fezzes or turbans). The variances of climate in North Africa led the French Army to the sensible expedient of letting local commanders decide on the appropriate "tenue de jour" (uniform of the day) according to circumstances. Thus a Legionnaire might parade or walk out in blue tunic and white trousers in hot weather, blue tunic and red trousers in normal temperatures or wear the blue greatcoat with red trousers under colder conditions. The sash could be worn with greatcoat, blouse or veste but not with the tunic. Epaulettes were a detachable dress item worn only with tunic or greatcoat for parade or off duty wear. Tirailleur means sharpshooter in French. ... A Fez The Fez (also known as the Checheya or Tarboosh) is a red felt hat in the shape of a truncated cone; a black tassel hangs from the crown. ... The Turban (Arabic عمامة; ‘imamah, Persian dulband) is a headdress, of obscure Oriental origin, consisting of a long scarf wound round the head or an inner hat. ...

Officers wore the same dark blue (almost black) tunics as those of their colleagues in the French line regiments, except that black replaced red as a facing colour on collar and cuffs. Gold fringed epaulettes were worn for full dress and rank was shown by the number of gold rings on both kepi and cuffs. Trousers were red with black stripes or white according to occasion or conditions. All-white or light khaki uniforms (from as early as the 1890s) were often worn in the field or for ordinary duties in barracks.

Non-commissioned officers were distinguished by red or gold diagonal stripes on the cuffs of tunics, vestes and greatcoats. Small detachable stripes were buttoned on to the white shirt-like blouse. A non-commissioned officer (sometimes noncommissioned officer), also known as an NCO or noncom, is a non-commissioned member of an armed force who has been given authority by a commissioned officer. ...

Prior to 1914 units in Indo-China wore white or khaki Colonial Infantry uniforms with Legion insignia, to overcome supply difficulties. This dress included a white sun helmet of a model that was also worn by Legion units serving in the outposts of Southern Algeria, though never popular with the wearers.

During the initial months of World War I Legion units serving in France wore the standard blue greatcoat and red trousers of the French line infantry, distinguished only by collar patches of the same blue as the capote, instead of red. After a short period in sky-blue the Legion adopted khaki with steel helmets, from early 1916. A mustard shade of khaki drill had been worn on active service in Morocco from 1909, replacing the classic blue and white. The latter continued to be worn in the relatively peaceful conditions of Algeria throughout World War I, although increasingly replaced by khaki drill. The pre-1914 blue and red uniforms could still be occasionally seen as garrison dress in Algeria until stocks were used up about 1919.

During the early 1920s plain khaki drill uniforms of a standard pattern became universal issue for the Legion with only the red and blue kepi (with or without a cover) and green collar braiding to distinguish the Legionnaire from other French soldiers serving in North African and Indo-China. The neck curtain ceased to be worn from about 1915, although it survived in the newly raised Foreign Legion Cavalry Regiment into the 1920s. The white blouse (bourgeron) and trousers dating from 1882 were retained for fatigue wear until the 1930s.

At the time of the Legion's centennial in 1931, a number of traditional features were reintroduced at the initiative of the then commander Colonel Rollet. These included the blue sash and green/red epaulettes. In 1939 the white covered kepi won recognition as the official headdress of the Legion to be worn on most occasions, rather than simply as a means of reflecting heat and protecting the blue and red material underneath. The 3rd REI adopted white tunics and trousers for walking out dress during the 1930s and all Legion officers were required to obtain full dress uniforms in the pre-war colours of black and red from 1932 to 1939.

During World War II the Legion wore a wide range of uniform styles depending on supply sources. These ranged from the heavy capotes and Adrian helmets of 1940 through to British battledress and US field uniforms from 1943 to 1945. The white kepi was stubbornly retained whenever possible.

The white kepis, together with the sash and epaulettes survive in the Legion's modern parade dress. Since the 1990s the modern kepi has been made wholly of white material rather than simply worn with a white cover. Officers and senior NCOs still wear their kepis in the pre-1939 colours of dark blue and red. A green tie and (for officers) a green waistcoat recall the traditional branch colour of the Legion. From 1959 a green beret became the ordinary duty headdress of the Legion, with the kepi reserved for parade and off duty wear. Other items of dress are the standard issue of the French Army. Officers seconded to the Foreign Legion retain one Legion button on the vests of their dress uniforms upon returning to their original regiments. Basque style beret Black beret with military emblem A beret (pronounced pronounced in French or [ˈbɛreɪ] in English[1], except in the USA, where it is usually pronounced [bəˈreɪ][2]) is a soft round cap, usually of wool felt, with a flat crown, which is worn by both...

Marching step

Also notable is the marching pace of the Legion. In comparison to the 120-step-per-minute pace of other French units, the Legion has an 88-step-per-minute marching speed. This can be seen at ceremonial parades and public displays attended by the Legion, particularly while parading in Paris on 14 July (Bastille Day). Because of the impressively slow pace, which Legionnaires refer to as the "crawl", the Legion is always the last unit marching in any parade. The Legion is normally accompanied by its own band which traditionally plays the march of any one of the regiments comprising the Legion, except that of the unit actually on parade. The regimental song of each unit and "Le Boudin" (commonly called the blood sausage or black pudding song) is sung by Legionnaires standing at attention. Also, because the Legion must always stay together, it doesn't break formation into two on parade, as other French military units do to in order to preserve the unity of the Legion. This article is about the French holiday. ...

Contrary to popular belief, the adoption of the Legion's slow marching speed was not due to a need to preserve energy and fluids during long marches under the hot Algerian sun. Rather, it was the marching speed of their Swiss predecessors in the French army of the 1820's - the Légion (and later - regiment) Hohenlohe, many of whom joined the Légion Étrangère when it was created in 1831, the Swiss having been disbanded prior to the revolution of 1830.^{[citation needed]}

References in popular culture

Main article: French Foreign Legion in popular culture

The existence of the French Foreign Legion has led to a romantic view that it is a place for a wronged man to leave behind his old life to start a new one, but also that it is full of scoundrels and men escaping justice. This view of the legion is common in literature, and has been used for dramatic effect in many films, not the least of which are the several versions of Beau Geste. The existence of the French Foreign Legion has led to a romantic view that it is a place for a wronged man to leave behind his old life to start a new one, but also that it is full of scoundrels and men escaping justice. ... For other uses, see Literature (disambiguation). ... This article is about motion pictures. ... Beau Geste is one of the most re-made stories of all time, with three movie versions released in 1926, 1939, and 1966, as well as a television mini-series in 1982 and a 1977 parody, the aptly named The Last Remake of Beau Geste starring Marty Feldman and Michael...

See also

• List of Foreign Legionnaires
• Spanish Legion

The Spanish Legion (Spanish: Legión Española or simply La Legión), formerly Spanish Foreign Legion, is an elite unit of the Spanish Army. ...

Notes

Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 68th day of the year (69th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

References

• Porch, Douglas. The French Foreign Legion. New York: Harper Collins, 1991. ISBN 0-06-092308-3
• The French Foreign Legion in Kolwezi Roger Rousseau, 2006. ISBN 2-9526927-1-8

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

French Foreign Legion

• Official Website
• (French) Legion in Horn of Africa (video)
• (English) Warriors of the French Foreign Legion (video)
• Encyclopaedia Britannica, French Foreign Legion
• The Official Recruitment Office of the Foreign Legion
• French Foreign Legion information
• (French) Historique du 2eme REP de 1946 a 2005.
• French Embassy to US, Foreign Legion section
• French Foreign Legion forum
• Foreign Legion Info Site by ex-legionnaire
• Foreign Legion life
• Le Musée de la Légion étrangère (legion museum)
• Kepi - Moments and Pictures from current life in 2REP (2002 - present)
• French Foreign Legion videos
• (French) Foreign Legion Info site by ex-legionnaire
• (French) Videos foreign legion
• (French) Legion forum by a former foreign legionnaire (french)
• (French) French Foreign Legion information (french)

Books

• In the Foreign Legion (1910) - by Erwin Rosen (b. 1876)
• Books about the Foreign Legion 1905-1992