11th Foreign Infantry Regiment explained

Unit Name:11th Foreign Infantry Regiment
(11e Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie)
Dates:1939-1940
Allegiance: Foreign Legion
Branch:French Army
Type:Infantry
Size:3,000 men
Battles:World War II

The 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: 11<sup>e</sup> Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie, 11<sup>e</sup> REI) was a regiment of the Foreign Legion in the French Army which served during World War II from 1939 to 1940.

History

The 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment was stationed in Lorraine, France from late 1939 to the spring of 1940.

The 11th REI defended the northern Inor Wood near Verdun from the German offensive early on in the battle until June 11, 1940, when the regiment began a fighting retreat to the south. By June 18, the 11th REI had lost three-fourths of its strength and the regiment withdrew to the south near Toul.[1] The regimental flag was burned at Crezilles near Nancy to prevent it falling into German hands.[2]

Organization

The 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment was composed of 2,500 veterans of the Legion who had served in North Africa and 500 Legionnaire reservists.[3]

See also

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Porch, Douglas. French Foreign Legion: The Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force. 1992. 2–4.
  2. Book: Boyd, Douglas. The French Foreign Legion. 2006. 252.
  3. Book: Porch, Douglas. French Foreign Legion: The Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force. 1992. 455.