Battle of Taghit

Battle of Taghit
Part of South-Oranese Campaign
Monument to the French Foreign Légionnaires who died during the South-Oranese campaign
Date 17-20 August 1903 Location Taghit, Algerian - Moroccan border Result French victory
Belligerents
France	Moroccan Berbers
Commanders and leaders
Captain de Susbielle	Sharif Mouley Mostepha
Strength
470	4,000
Casualties and losses
9 dead, 21 wounded	about 400

The Battle of Taghit was the siege of a fort held by a contingent of the French Army of Africa against Moroccan tribesmen during the South-Oranese Campaign.

Background

In the early twentieth century, France faced numerous incidents, attacks and looting by uncontrolled armed groups in the newly controlled areas to the south of Oran (Algeria).^[1] Under the command of General Lyautey, the French army's mission was to protect these areas newly occupied in the west of Algeria, near the poorly defined Moroccan boundaries.^[1] This loose boundary, between French Algeria and the Sultanate of Morocco, promoted incursions and attacks by Moroccan tribesmen.^[1]

The battle

On the 17 August 1903, Sharif Mouley Mostepha, at the head of 4,000 tribesmen from the Guir and Tafilalt, followed by 5,000 non-combatants, of all ages, ready to plunder the military fort of Taghit. During 4 days, they besieged the outpost, trying tirelessly to take the small fort from the French troops. But the fierce defense of the garrison and the several sorties ordered by Captain de Susbielle forced the tribesmen to flee and disperse in the desert.^[2]

French units involved

• 7th Company of the 2nd Regiment of Algerian Tirailleurs led by Captain Guibert
• A Platoon of the Battalions of Light Infantry of Africa led by Captain Mariande
• A Platoon of the 22nd Mounted Company of the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment led by Lieutenant Pointurier
• 60 Horsemen of the makhzen of Taghit led by Lieutenant de Ganay
• 60 Horsemen of the makhzen of Béni-Abbés led by Lieutenant de Lachaux

Aftermath

A few days after the battle of Taghit, 148 legionnaires of the 22nd mounted company, from the 2e REI, commanded by Captain Vauchez and Lieutenant Selchauhansen, 20 Spahis and 2 Mokhaznis, forming part of escorting a supply convoy, were ambushed, on September 2, by 3,000 Moroccans tribesmen, at El-Moungar.^[3]

References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Historique de la bataille d'El Moungar by the French Ministry of Defence
2. ↑ Pierre Montagnon, "Histoire de la Légion de 1831 à nos jours"
3. ↑ Historique de la bataille d'El Moungar by the French Ministry of Defence

Bibliography

Jean-Paul Mahuault, L'épopée marocaine de la Légion étrangère, 1903-1934, ou, Trente années au Maroc, L'Harmattan, 2005.

Coordinates: 35°26′00″N 4°03′00″E / 35.433333°N 4.05°E