The Free French forces in N. Africa

Discussion in 'Allied Units - Others' started by DavidW, Jun 9, 2012.

  1. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    Can anyone help me with any information regarding the 2nd Battalion 13th Legion Etrangere?

    I think it was a three company strong Motorised Infantry unit?
    I think that one of its companies was the 5th?

    I think it arrived in N. Africa before November 1941?

    I think it had some 2" & 3" mortars in carriers?

    Any corrections/additions would be very welcome!

    Thanks in advance,
    David.
     
  2. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    I don't have any Free French in the WD before December when Force L arrived.

    All the best

    Andreas
     
  3. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    Andreas,

    As far as I know, there were two early arrivals; The Free French Battalion de Motor Marine Infantrie (aka French Motor Battalion) in December 1940.
    And..
    The 1st Battalion D'Infantrie De Marine Free French Naval Infantrie ( aka B.I.M) in early 1941.
    But I'm no expert, and happy to be corrected.

    Best wishes,
    David.
     
  4. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    I would presume these were then moved to the Levant for the formation of 1st and 2nd Brigades FFL? I definitely don't have French ground forces with 8 Army until 30 December 41.

    Here's the history of 13eme Demi-Brigade:

    13e DBLE - Amicale de la première division française libre

    Left Levant 25 December 41 for Western Desert. Posted at Halfaya until surrender 17 Jan 42. At Mechili 29 January to cover retreat of 13 Corps. At Bir en Nagha 4 February, then move to Bir Hakeim.

    All the best

    Andreas
     
  5. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    I would presume these were then moved to the Levant for the formation of 1st and 2nd Brigades FFL?
    They certainly were involved in the formation of the F.F. Brigades.
     
  6. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    Did the 4th Battalion De Marche arrive in North Africa in 1942 or 1943 please?
     
  7. dashnieuil

    dashnieuil Junior Member

    Did the 4th Battalion De Marche arrive in North Africa in 1942 or 1943 please?
    I found this link which popped up while searching some French websites:
    Second World War Books: History Page
    This may help with dates but also gives some useful source material which you may already know.
     

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