THE FRENCH FOREIGN LEGION

The French Foreign Legion was created by decree of  Louis Philippe in 1831, the Legion has remained a part of the regular French army ever since.  Most legionnaires are recruited from foreigners and the legion was originally used by France to acquire and retain her colonies.

During both the first and second World Wars the Legion  gave distinguished service in the European Theatres of Engagement. 

The Legion is often associated with North Africa and most notably with Algeria where it maintained its HQ at Sidi del Abbes until 1962.

Throughout its long history, the Foreign Legion has seen action in Spain, Madagascar, Mexico, South East Asia and in various parts of Africa.

The Modern history of the Legion can be traced to its withdrawal from Algeria in 1962.  The Legion is now stationed at various locations around mainland France, Corsica, the Pacific Ocean and French Giarra.

For an elite force, the Foreign Legion is comparatively large, and its units include an infantry regiment specialising in commando operations, an armoured regiment, a parachute regiment an engineering battalion and special detachments to guard France's nuclear bases.

The French foreign Legion is renowned for its Esprit de Corps and its good organisation.

The Legion's most famous deployment of recent times was its use during the rescue of Belgian French nationals from Calwaysi in 1978.  The Legion has also seen action in Chad, Beirut and joined the Gulf War.