2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment
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The 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: 2e Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie, 2e REI) is an infantry regiment of the French Foreign Legion. It is one of two mechanized infantry regiments of the 6th Light Armoured Brigade[1] It is currently stationed at Quartier Colonel de Chabrières; named in honor of Colonel de Chabrières who was shot in the chest while leading a charge of the regiment. Quartier Colonel Chabrières is situated in Nimes, a historical Roman city, in the south of France.[2]
As a mobile infantry regiment, the 2ème REI may undertake any mission being allocated to. The Regiment has responsibility for field testing new equipment for the French Army as a whole.[3]
History, creation and different nominations
Royal Foreign Regiments
Foreign Legion since 1831
- On March 10, 1831; the French Foreign Legion (L.E) was created.[4]
2nd Regiment of the 1st Foreign Legion in 1855
- On April 3, 1841; the 2nd Regiment of the Foreign Legion (2ème R.L.E) was created at Bône and commanded by Colonel Sinelhes,[4] constituted of 2240 legionnaires and organized in 3 battalions stationed in Bone, Bougie and Djidjelli respectively starting from 1842.[4]
- From 1841 to 1857 : the 2nd Regiment (2ème R.L.E) participated at the conquest and campaigns of Algeria.[4]
- From 1854 to 1855 : the 2nd Regiment (2ème R.L.E) took part in the Crimean War in the Battle of Alma and the Siege of Sevastopol.[4]
- On January 17, 1855: the 2nd Regiment (2ème R.L.E) became the 2nd Regiment of the 1st Foreign Legion (2èmeR.1èreL.E)[4][5]
2nd Foreign Regiment in 1856
- In 1856, the 2nd Regiment became the 2nd Foreign Regiment (2èmeR.E).[4]
- In 1859, the 2nd Foreign Regiment took part in the Second Italian War of Independence.[4]
- On June 4, 1859; Colonel de Chabrière, the regimental commander, was killed in action leading the charge during the Battle of Magenta.[4]
Foreign Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment in 1862
- In 1862, the 2nd Foreign Regiment became the Foreign Regiment (R.E).[4]
- From 1863 to 1867 : the Foreign Regiment took part in the French intervention in Mexico.[4]
- On April 30, 1863; the Foreign Regiment (R.E) took part in the legendary Battle of Camarón where legion officers, Captain Jean Danjou, Sous-Lieutenant Jean Vilain, Sous-Lieutenant Clément Maudet lead 62 legionnaires against 800 Mexican cavalry and 2200 Mexican infantry.[4] When only six of the French-led soldiers remained, and were out of ammunition, a bayonet assault was launched in which three of the legionnaires were killed.
- From 1864 to 1907 : the Foreign Regiment took part in the South-Oranese Campaign.[4]
- From 1870 to 1871 : the Foreign Regiment took part in the Franco-Prussian War.[4] Three battalions of the regiment (two battalions from Algeria and one formed in France) participated in the Battles of Orleans, the Battle of Coulmiers and the Battle of Saint Suzanne.[4] Immediately following the war, the Foreign Regiment was amongst those troops used to suppress the rising of the Paris Commune (May 1871).
Foreign Legion of the 1st Foreign Regiment in 1875
- On April 10, 1875; the 2nd Foreign Regiment became the Foreign Legion (L.E).[4]
- In 1883, the Foreign Legion took part in the Far East in the Sino-French War, notably during the Capture of Sontay, the Bắc Ninh Campaign, the Siege of Tuyên Quang and the disembarking of Formosa.[4]
- On January 1, 1885; the Foreign Legion became the 2nd Foreign Regiment.[4]
Sudan Campaign and Dahomey Expedition
- From 1892 to 1894, the 2nd Foreign Regiment (2ème R.E) took part in the Sudan Campaign and the Second Franco-Dahomean War.[4]
- In 1903, the 2nd Foreign Regiment took part in the Battle of El-Moungar.[4]
- From 1895 to 1905 : the 2nd Foreign Regiment took part in the Campaigns of Madagascar.[4]
- From 1907 to 1918 : the 2nd Foreign Regiment took part in the Pacification of Morocco; during which combat units of the regiment received 7 citations at the orders of the armed forces.[4]
Creation of the Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment in 1907
- On August 29, 1907; the Marching Regiment (R.M) was created from the 2nd Foreign Regiment (2ème R.E) in Morocco.[4]
Pacification of Algeria
From 1841–1907 legionnaires from the 2nd Regiment where deployed in Algeria. In the early twentieth century, France faced numerous incidents, attacks and looting by uncontrolled armed groups, in the newly occupied areas in the south of Oran (Algeria). Under the command of General Lyautey, the French army's mission was to protect these areas newly controlled in the west of Algeria, near the poorly defined Moroccan boundaries.
This loose boundary, between French Algeria and the Sultanate of Morocco, promotes incursions and attacks perpetrated by Moroccan tribesmen.
On 17 August 1903, the first battle of the South-Oranese campaign took place in Taghit, where French Foreign legionnaires were assailed by a contingent of more than 1,000 well-equipped Berbers. For 3 days, the legionnaires repelled repeated attacks of an enemy more than 10 times higher in number, and inflicted huge losses on the attackers, forcing them finally into a hasty retreat.
A few months after the Battle of Taghit, 148 legionnaires of the 22nd mounted company, from the 2ème REI, commanded by Captain Vauchez and Lieutenant Selchauhansen, 20 Spahis and two Mokhaznis were escorting a supply convoy, when they were ambushed at 9:30 am on 2 September by 3,000 Moroccans marauders. The half-company had halted to eat, no sentries had been posted and only a few cavalry pickets had been placed.
The first volleys wounded or killed half of the detachment. Both officers and most of the non-commissioned officers were killed in the first stage of the fight. At 10:30 am, Quartermaster Sergeant (sergent-fourrier) Tisserand, who commanded the survivors, sent two spahi cavalrymen to Taghit for reinforcements. They immediately left.
About forty survivors of the French force gathered on a nearby hill and under a scorching sun, on hot sand and without water, fought off the enemy for more than eight hours. Near the end of the battle, Tisserand, wounded, gave over command to Corporal Detz; the highest ranked man still able. At 5 pm, they were relieved by Captain de Sulbielle, who rode from Taghit with his Spahis. At the sight of the approaching French cavalry, the Moroccans retreated in small groups.
- On November 1908; the Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment (R.M.2èmeR.E) was dissolved .[4]
- On August 7, 1914 following the outbreak of World War I; the 1st Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment (1er R.M.2èmeR.E) remained in Morocco with the formed combat company and the 2nd Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment (2èmeR.M.2èmeR.E) took arms at the fronts in mainland France; receiving 5 citations at the orders of the armed forces. In September 1915, the 2nd Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment was dissolved and the components were merged with the 2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment to form the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (R.M.L.E) created November 11, 1915.[4] During the interwar period, combat in Morocco persevered from 1919-1934 and the regiment received 7 citations at the orders of the armed forces.[4]
2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment in 1922
- In 1922, the 2nd Foreign Regiment (2èmeR.E) became the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2èmeR.E.I).[4]
- On April 1, 1943 during World War II; the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment was dissolved and its components were transferred to the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion, (R.M.L.E) from 1943-1945.[4]
Far East Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion in 1945
- On August 1, 1945; the Far East Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (R.M.L.E/E.O) was formed ("Régiment de marche de la Légion Etrangère d'Extrême-Orient (RMLE/EO").[4]
2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment in 1946
- On January 1, 1946; the regiment was renamed the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment (2èmeR.E.I).[4]
- From 1946 to 1945 : the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment took part in the First Indochina War and receives 9 citations at the orders of the armed forces.[4]
- From 1955 to 1956 : the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment rejoined Tunisia, then Morocco.[4]
- From 1956 to 1962 : the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment participated in combat operations during the Algerian War.[4]
- From 1962 to 1967 : the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment was placed at the disposition of central command of military sites in the Sahara.[4]
- On January 1, 1968; the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment was dissolved.[4]
2nd Foreign Regiment in 1972
- On September 1, 1972; the recreation of the 2nd Foreign Regiment took place in Corsica.[4] While in Corsica the regiment was garrisoned in Corte (basic training unit) and Bonifacio.
2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment in 1980
- On July 1, 1980; the 2nd Foreign Regiment became the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment.[4]
- From 1982 to 1984 : the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment filled the ranks of the Multinational Force in Lebanon. During the deployment of the regiment to Lebanon in 1983; the men took part in several training and combat peacekeeping missions while also finding out that they will not be seeing Corsica again and will return to Nîmes, the new garrison of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment as of November 11 1983, while the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment 2ème REP, housed Calvi.[4]
- In 1986, elements of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment were deployed to Chad as part of Operation Sparrowhawk (Opération Epervier).[6]
- The regiment has also participated in several recent conflicts, most notably in the Gulf War (1991), in Bosnia, Chad and other parts of Africa.[2]
- Since 2001, the regiment took part in the global War on Terror. In 2006, the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment deployed as part of the French contingent of the ISAF.[6]
Organization
The regiment is composed of around 1230 men organised into 10 companies, thus making it the largest regiment of the Foreign Legion and one of the largest around the ensemble of infantry regiments forming the French Army.[1]
- Compagnie de Commandement et de Logistique (CCL) – Command and Logistics Company
- Compagnie d'Administration et de Soutien (CAS) – Administrative and Support Company
- 1er Compagnie de Combat (1er Cie) – 1st Combat Company (4 combat sections)
- 2ème Compagnie de Combat (2e Cie) – 2nd Combat Company (4 combat sections)
- 3ème Compagnie de Combat (3e Cie) – 3rd Combat Company (4 combat sections)
- 4ème Compagnie de Combat (4e Cie) – 4th Combat Company (4 combat sections)
- 5ème Compagnie de Combat (5e Cie) – 5th Combat Company (4 combat sections)[7]
- Compagnie Antichar (CAC) – Anti-Tank Company (4 sections)
- Compagnie d'Eclairage et d'Appui (CEA) – Reconnaissance and Support Company (3 sections)
- Section de reconnaissance régimentaire (SRR) – Regimental Recce Section (VBL)
- Section antichars (SAC) – Anti-Tank Section (Milan)
- Section de tireurs d'élite (STE) – Sniper Section (PGM 12.7mm)
- 8ème Compagnie de reserve (8 Cie) – 8th Reserve Company
Traditions
Insignias
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Insignia of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, 2ème REI
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Beret Insignia of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, 2ème REI
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The Foreign Legion Groupment, G.L.E in the 31ème Brigade featuring Poseidon
between Legion colors (Green and Red, left) and Troupes de marine (Blue and Red, right).
Regimental Colors
Regimental Song
Chant de Marche : Anne-Marie du 2ème REI in the German language featuring:[8]
-I-
Anne-Marie, wo geht die Reise in,
Anne-Marie, wo geht die Reise in,
Sie geht in’s Städtelein
Wo die Soldaten sein.
Ein, zwei, drei
Junge, junge, junge Anne-Marie
-II-
Anne-Marie, heute wollen wir lustig sein,
Anne-Marie, heute wollen wir lustig sein,
Wir wollen tanzen gehen
Und uns im Kreise drehen.
Ein, zwei, drei
Junge, junge, junge Anne-Marie.
Decorations
- Croix de guerre des Théatres d'Opérations Extérieures with 3 palms ( First Indochina War 1945 to 1954 and Gulf War 1990 to 1991).[9]
- Cross for Military Valour with palm Afghanistan.[9]
- Gold Medal of the City of Milan in recognition for the victors in the battles Magenta and Solférino.[9]
The standard and regimental colors of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment is heir to 28 citations at the orders of the armed forces.[4]
Personnels of the regiment are authorized to wear the fourragère with colors of the Croix de guerre des Théâtres d'Opérations Extérieurs.
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Croix de guerre of TOE -
Croix de la Valeur militaire -
Ruban colors of the Croix de guerre des Théâtres d'opérations extérieures
Honours
Battle Honours
- Sevastopol 1855
- Kabilie 1857
- Magenta 1859
- Camerone 1863
- Extreme Orient 1884–1885
- Dahomey 1892
- Madagascar 1898–1905
- Maroc 1907–1913–1921–1934
- Indochine 1946–1954
- AFN 1952–1962
- Koweït 1990–1991[10]
In the 19th century, the colors of the 2nd Foreign Regiment were inscribed with the following battles and campaigns:
- Constantine, Algeria (1837)
- Mostaganem (1839)
- Mouzaïa (1840)
- Coleah (1841)
- Djidjelli (1842)
- Zaatcha (1849)
- Fedj-Menazel (1851)
- Battle of Alma (1854)
Regimental Annual Celebration
The annual celebration of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment is the second Campaign of Madagascar, which took place on September 2, 1903. The regiment honors that day with a parade commemorating and presenting hommage to the old combatants and anciens.
Regimental Commanders
2nd Foreign Legion Regiment Tenure
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2nd Foreign Regiment Tenure
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Foreign Legion Tenure
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2nd Foreign Regiment Tenure
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1st Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment Tenure
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2nd Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment Tenure
2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment Tenure
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2nd Foreign Regiment Tenure
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2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment Tenure
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2nd Foreign Gallery
- 19 century
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Marshall of France
François Certain-Canrobert -
général Octave Gustave Adolphe Gillet in 1891
- 20th century
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général Jean Marie Joseph Armand Brulard in 1918
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Général Bruno Dary served in the 2nd Foreign Regiment; 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment in 1980; in Haute-Corse from 1975 to 1977 prior serving in the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment in Haute-Crose
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A Legion honour guard of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment stands at attention as they await the arrival of Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. during Operation Desert Shield. -
Snipers of the 2REI with PGM Hecate II and FR-F2 in Afghanistan (2005).
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VBL of the 2e REI in Afghanistan
Alliances
- United Kingdom – The Rifles (Bond of Friendship)
See also
Notes
- 1 2 "Structure du régiment". 2e Régiment étranger d'infanterie (in French). Ministère de la Défense. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
- 1 2 http://le.cos.free.fr/2rei.htm
- ↑ Koelher, Charles (31 March 2006). "LEGIO PATRIA NOSTRA: THE HISTORY OF THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION SINCE 1962" (PDF). U.S. General Command and Staff College. p. 85. Retrieved 22 May 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 Official Website of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, Historique du 2 REI, La Creation (Creation)
- ↑ Official Website of the 1st Foreign Regiment, 2nd Foreign Regiment Timeline Formation
- 1 2 "Les campagnes du 2ème REI". 2e Régiment étranger d'infanterie (in French). Ministère de la Défense. 1 June 2010. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
- ↑ "De nouvelles unités pour la Légion étrangère". Foreign Legion. Retrieved 2015-12-27.
- ↑ Official Website of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, Historique du 2REI, Le chant du 2ème REI
- 1 2 3 Official Website of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, Historique du 2e REI, Le drapeau du 2ème REI
- ↑ "Édition Chronologique n° 45 du 29 octobre 2010".Le Ministère de la Défense instruction n°1515/DEF/EMA/OL/2 du 23 septembre 1983, modifiée, sur les filiations et l'héritage des traditions des unités; décision n°010318/DEF/CAB/SDBG/CPAG du 15 juillet 2008 portant création d'une commission des emblèmes. Art 1er. L'inscription "Koweït 1990-1991" est attribuée aux drapeaux et étendards des formations des armées énumérées ci-dessous. 2e R.E.I, 1er R.E.C, 6e R.E.G, 3e R.I.Ma, 1er R.P.I.Ma, 11e R.A.Ma, 4e Régiment de dragon, 1er Régiment de Spahis, 6e Régiment de Commandement et de Soutien, 1er R.H.C, 3e R.H.C, puis les formations de l'Armée de l'Air les 5e, 7e, 11e escadre de chasse, la 33e escadre de reconnaissance et les 61e et 64e escadre de transport. Le présent arrêté sera publié au bulletin officiel des armées, Hervé Morin.
- ↑ Official Website of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, Le Chef de corps, Les anciens chef de corps
References
- Porch, Douglas. The French Foreign Legion. Harper Collins, New York, 1991. ISBN 978-0-06-092308-2
- Windrow, Martin (1996). French Foreign Legion 1914–1945. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-85532-761-9.
- Windrow, Martin (1996). French Foreign Legion Since 1945. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 1-85532-621-3.
External links
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