French Foreign Legion

The French Foreign Legion (French: Légion Étrangère) has been a unique and distinguished unit within the French Army since 1831. It takes its name from the fact that, as an exception in French military forces, foreigners enlist in its ranks.

History

The French Foreign Legion was created by Louis Philippe, then King of France, on March 10, 1831, to support his war in Algeria. Successive legions were also raised to augment the French forces in the Crimean War, in Italy, and in Mexico.

Related Topics:
Louis Philippe - King of France - March 10 - 1831 - Algeria - Crimean War - Italy - Mexico

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Mexico

It was in Mexico on 30 April 1863 that the Legion earned its legendary status. The small infantry patrol unit led by Capitaine Danjou numbering 62 soldiers and 3 officers was attacked and besieged by Mexican infantry and cavalry units numbering 3 battalions, and was forced to make a defense in Hacienda Camarón. Despite the hopelessness of the situation they fought nearly to the last man. Danjou was mortally wounded in the defense of the hacienda, and the last of his men mounted a desperate bayonet attack. When the last three survivors were asked to surrender, they insisted that the Mexican soldiers allow them safe passage back home, to keep their flag, and to escort the body of the fallen Danjou. Upon seeing this, the Mexican commander commented, "these are not men, they are devils," and out of respect agreed to these terms.

Related Topics:
Mexico - 30 April - 1863 - Hacienda - Bayonet

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Today the "Camerone Day" is an important day of celebration for the Legionnaires, when the wooden prosthetic hand of Capitane Danjou is brought on display.

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Franco-Prussian War

During the Franco-Prussian War, the Legion attempted to lift the Siege of Paris by breaking through the German lines. They succeeded in taking Orleans, but failed to break the siege.

Related Topics:
Franco-Prussian War - Siege of Paris - Orleans

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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), Madagascar, and Indochina, where they participated in the celebrated defense of Tuyen Quang in 1885.

Related Topics:
Algeria - Defense of Tuyen Quang

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The World Wars

In World War I the Legion fought in many critical battles of the war, including the Battle of Verdun. The Legion was heavily decorated for its efforts in the war.

Related Topics:
World War I - Battle of Verdun

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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 was loyal to the Free French movement, yet another part was loyal to the Vichy government. A battle in Syria saw two opposing sides fight against each other in a short engagement, and later on the Vichy Legion joined its Free French brethren.

Related Topics:
World War II - Battle of Bir Hakeim - Free French - Vichy

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Indochina

Units of the Legion were deployed in French Indochina and fought in the Franco-Chinese War, and one battalion was the key component in the celebrated defense of the fortress of Tuyen Quang when it was assaulted by Chinese troops many times its number.

Related Topics:
French Indochina - Franco-Chinese War

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Units of the Legion were involved in the defense of Dien Bien Phu and lost a large number of their men in the battle. Towards the desperate end of the battle, Legionnaires formed the bulk of the volunteer relief force which were delivered by parachute to the base.

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