The Foreign Legion is an elite corps of the French army, which recruits soldiers of all nationalities, ready to serve France with honor and loyalty. Created in 1831, the Foreign Legion participated in numerous military campaigns, on all continents, and distinguished itself by its courage, its discipline and its spirit
Of sacrifice. Today, the Foreign Legion has around 8,000 men, divided into eleven regiments or units, who regularly intervene in external or internal operations, in the service of peace and security. In this video, we will present to you the history, missions and organization
Of the Foreign Legion, as well as its traditions and values, which make it a unique and respected institution throughout the world. Good viewing ! ## The creation of the Foreign Legion in 1831 The Foreign Legion was created on March 10, 1831, by an order from King Louis-Philippe
I. The aim of this creation was to bring together all the foreign corps which fought under French colours, in particular the Swiss Guards, the Swiss Regiment of the Royal Guard and the Hohenlohe Regiment. The king thus wanted to get rid of these troops, which were considered unreliable,
Expensive and undisciplined. He also wanted to use them in Algeria, where France had been waging a war of conquest since 1830. In fact, the Foreign Legion had to serve as a supporting force, without compromising the security of the metropolitan territory, or arousing the jealousy of other French regiments.
The Foreign Legion was made up of seven battalions, six of which were Swiss and one was German. Each battalion had eight companies of 121 men, for a total strength of 4,096 legionnaires. Command of the Legion was entrusted to Colonel Bernelle, a former officer of the royal guard.
Recruitment was open to all foreigners aged 18 to 40, who had to sign up for five years. Conditions of service were severe : pay was low, discipline was rigorous, leave was rare. The legionnaires also had to renounce their original nationality, and adopt an assumed name, to cut all links with their past.
The Foreign Legion left France on April 30, 1831, aboard three ships, heading for Algeria. She landed in Oran on May 11, and was immediately sent to the front, to participate in General Berthezène’s campaign. It underwent its baptism of fire during the Battle of Macta, where it faced the troops
Of Abd El Kader. The Legion distinguished itself by its bravery, but also by its losses: of the 900 men engaged, 283 were killed, wounded or missing. The Foreign Legion nevertheless experienced a difficult period between 1831 and 1836. It was decimated by fighting, illness, desertions and mutinies.
She was also abandoned in Spain, where she had been sent to support Queen Isabella II against the Carlists. King Louis-Philippe I, who had changed his policy, decided to dissolve it on December 17, 1835, to get rid of this cumbersome body. However, Marshal Clauzel, who was the governor general of Algeria, opposed
This decision. He considered that the Foreign Legion was essential for the pacification of the country, and that it had proven itself in the field. He obtained authorization from the king to recreate a new Foreign Legion, from the remaining elements of the old one, and new volunteers. The new Foreign Legion was therefore
Officially created on March 9, 1836, by a royal order. The new Foreign Legion was made up of four battalions, including one Swiss and three German. Each battalion had six companies of 100 men, for a total strength of 2,400 legionnaires. Command of the Legion was entrusted to Colonel Conrad,
A former officer of the Hohenlohe regiment. Recruitment was still open to all foreigners, but it was more selective. Conditions of service were improved : pay was increased, discipline was relaxed, permissions were granted. Legionnaires always had to renounce their original nationality, but they could keep their real name, if they wished.
The new Foreign Legion established itself permanently in Algeria, where it participated in numerous military operations, under the orders of General Bugeaud. She stood out for her valor, her loyalty, her endurance. She notably took part in the siege of Constantine in 1837, where she was the first to enter the city, after having scaled
The ramparts. She also contributed to the construction of roads, bridges, forts and villages, which enabled the development of the country. She became attached to Algerian land, which she considered her adopted homeland. It should be noted that the beginnings of the Foreign Legion are rich in anecdotes, which
Illustrate the singular character of this corps, and the difficulties it had to overcome. – Thus when it embarked for Algeria in 1831, the Foreign Legion was greeted by boos and insults from the crowd, who considered it a band of brigands and deserters. Colonel Bernelle, to calm the spirits, had the Marseillaise played
By the regimental band, which provoked the enthusiasm of the spectators, who began to cheer the legionnaires. – Also during the Battle of Macta, the Foreign Legion was ambushed by the troops of Abd El Kader, who inflicted heavy losses. Among the wounded, there was a Swiss legionnaire, named Müller,
Who had been shot in the chest. He was taken to hospital, where he was examined by a doctor, who told him he had no chance of survival. Müller then replied: “Doctor, you are wrong, I am a legionnaire, and I will not die
.” He made a miraculous recovery and returned to service a few months later. – During the Spanish campaign, in 1835, the Foreign Legion was engaged in several battles against the Carlists, who were supported by foreign volunteers, notably Germans, English, French, Italians. It often happened that legionnaires
Found themselves face to face with their compatriots, even their former comrades, who had chosen the opposing camp. These meetings gave rise to strange scenes, where the adversaries greeted each other, spoke to each other, shook hands, before fighting. Sometimes they gave each other gifts, like cigars, wine, newspapers, or even weapons.
– Also during the creation of the new Foreign Legion, in 1836, Colonel Conrad had the idea of having the legionnaires wear a white kepi, which distinguished them from other French soldiers, who wore a blue kepi. This white kepi quickly became the
Symbol of the Foreign Legion, as did the rest of their distinctive uniform, consisting of a blue jacket, red pants and a green flannel belt. -Finally, recruitment was open to all foreigners aged 18 to 40, provided that they were able-bodied, that they knew how to read and write, and that they had not been
Convicted of crimes. Enlisted personnel had to sign a five-year contract, renewable, and received French nationality at the end of their service. They were subject to the same regulations and the same obligations as French soldiers, except that they could not be employed in France, nor be naturalized before the end of their contract.
They received a salary of 30 francs per month, plus a bonus of 10 francs upon joining. The feats of arms of the Foreign Legion Since its creation in 1831, the Foreign Legion has participated in numerous conflicts and external operations, distinguishing itself by its courage, loyalty and professionalism.
In this sense, the Battle of Camerone is undoubtedly the most famous and most symbolic feat of arms of the Foreign Legion. It took place on April 30, 1863, in Mexico, where France intervened to support Emperor Maximilian, imposed by Napoleon III. A company of 62 legionnaires, commanded by Captain Jean Danjou, is responsible
For escorting a supply convoy. Along the way, she was attacked by more than 2,000 Mexican soldiers, who offered to surrender. The legionnaires refused and took refuge in a hacienda, where they resisted for more than ten hours, inflicting heavy losses to the enemy. When only five survivors remained, short of ammunition,
They charged with bayonets, before being taken prisoner. The Mexican colonel, impressed by their bravery, gave them military honors. This exemplary fight is commemorated every year by the Foreign Legion, which considers Captain Danjou, whose wooden hand is preserved as a relic, as its founding hero.
Also the Battle of Bir Hakeim is another glorious feat of arms of the Foreign Legion, which took place during the Second World War, in Libya. From May 26 to June 11, 1942, the 1st Free French Brigade, commanded by General Koenig, of which
The 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion was part, held out against the Axis forces, superior in number and equipment. Despite bombardments, tank attacks and infiltrations, the Free French resisted heroically, inflicting heavy losses on the Germans and Italians. They managed to withdraw in good order, after having opened a breach
In the enemy system. This battle, which delayed the Axis advance towards Egypt, was welcomed by General de Gaulle, who declared: “You have saved the honor of France”. Finally, the rescue of Kolwezi is a recent feat of arms of the foreign legion,
Which took place in 1978, in Zaire (currently the Democratic Republic of Congo). On May 18, rebels from the National Front for the Liberation of Congo (FNLC) attacked the town of Kolwezi, where many Europeans lived, mainly copper mine employees. They massacre hundreds of civilians and take the survivors hostage. Zairian President Mobutu
Requests help from France, which sends the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (REP), commanded by Colonel Philippe Erulin. On May 19, the legionnaires jumped on Kolwezi and engaged the rebels. In three days, they liberated the city, rescued more than 2,000 hostages and killed or captured more than 600 rebels. This operation, carried out
Quickly and efficiently, was praised by the international community and earned the 2nd REP the Cross of Military Valor with Palm. The Foreign Legion has therefore proven, on many occasions, its value and its dedication to the service of France. His feats of arms testify to his ability to accomplish
The most difficult and dangerous missions, demonstrating courage, discipline and solidarity. Its traditions and symbols, such as the white kepi, the hand of Captain Danjou or the song of the blood sausage, remind it of its past and its origins. Its
Legionaries, coming from all walks of life, are united by a spirit of fraternity and loyalty, which transcends differences of nationality, language and culture. They are, in short, exceptional soldiers. The traditions of the Foreign Legion The Foreign Legion has numerous and varied traditions, which aim to
Create an esprit de corps and a common identity between men from different backgrounds. These traditions were brought by the men who made up this troop, with their respective cultures. They evolve over time and with recruitment, without ever standing still. Here are some examples of these traditions, which are the wealth and
Pride of the foreign legion. The Foreign Legion has several mottos, which express its values and its specificity. The best known is “Legio Patria Nostra”, which means “The Legion is our homeland”. This motto underlines the fact that legionnaires, whatever their country of origin, make
The Legion their new family, without denying their first homeland. Another motto is “Honneur et Fidélité”, which replaces the usual motto of French units “Honneur et Patrie”. This motto shows that the legionnaires are attached to honor, which is the foundation of their ethics, and to fidelity, which is the guarantee of their
Loyalty to France, the Legion and their comrades. Finally, an older motto, which dates from 1831, is “Valeur et Discipline”, which was inscribed on the first flag offered by King Louis-Philippe I. This motto reminds us that the legionnaires are courageous and disciplined soldiers, capable of carrying out the most difficult missions.
The colors of the Foreign Legion are green and red, which are inherited from the Swiss of the 2nd Legion, who wanted to keep their distinctive mark. These colors are found on the badges, pennants, epaulettes and the green flannel belt, which is a characteristic element of the legionnaires’ uniform. The green belt, which
Is worn on the blue jacket and red pants, symbolizes brotherhood of arms and solidarity between legionnaires. It is also a sign of recognition and respect, which means that legionnaires greet each other with “Hail Legion”, whatever their rank. Songs are another important tradition of the Foreign Legion, which help
To create an atmosphere and cohesion within the units. The songs are often of foreign origin, reflecting the diversity of the origins of the legionnaires. They are adapted into French, or sometimes kept in their original language. They are sung during marches, ceremonies, parties or moments of relaxation. Among the best-known songs
, we can cite “Le boudin”, which is, so to speak, the official anthem of the Legion, and which evokes the roll of canvas which was used to transport the tents. This song dates from 1844, and it is performed at the head of Legion parades. We can
Also cite “La Légion marche”, which is precisely a catchy marching song, which traces the history and exploits of the Legion. The Foreign Legion also has symbols, which are objects or characters that represent its history and identity. The most famous is the white kepi, which
Is the distinctive headgear of the legionnaires. It was originally a khaki-colored kepi cover, which whitened under the effect of the sun and washing, during the campaigns in North Africa in the 19th century. It then became a sign of recognition and pride
For the legionnaires, who kept it as an emblem. The white kepi is also the name of the official Legion magazine, which relates the lives and exploits of these exceptional men. Another symbol is the hand of Captain Danjou, which is a sacred relic for the Legion. This is the wooden hand of Captain
Jean Danjou, who commanded the company of 62 legionnaires who heroically resisted more than 2,000 Mexicans at Camerone, in 1863. This hand is preserved at the Legion museum, in Aubagne, and it is presented to the legionnaires during the annual ceremony in Camerone. A third symbol is the pioneer, who
Is a traditional character of the Legion, who leads the way during parades. He wears a beard, an axe, a leather apron and an animal skin apron. It symbolizes the role of builder of the Legion, which participated in numerous works of public utility, such as the construction of roads, bridges or railways.
The Foreign Legion is therefore a unique military body, which has been able to forge its own traditions and specificities, through the trials and successes it has experienced since its creation. These traditions are a reflection of its history, culture and values. They are the link between generations of legionnaires, who pass on
The torch and respect. They are the foundation of its esprit de corps, which constitutes its strength and identity. They are, in short, the soul of the Legion. The current conditions for joining the Foreign Legion As for the administrative conditions for joining the Foreign Legion , you must:
– Be over 17 and a half years old and under 39 and a half years old on the day of the presentation at the information station and know at least how to read and write in the mother tongue. – For European Union candidates with the nationality of one of the SCHENGEN area countries
, be in possession of a valid national identity card or passport . – For candidates who are not part of the SCHENGEN area, you must be in possession of a valid passport and bring all useful administrative documents (residence permit, photocopy of booklet). family certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
– For candidates under 18 years of age, provide in addition a handwritten parental authorization signed by both parents, or the legal guardian(s), as well as photocopies of the identity documents of both parents. If one or both parents are deceased, provide proof of the “death certificate”. Please note that no school diploma is required.
Concerning the physical conditions to join the foreign legion you must: – Be physically fit to serve in all places, at all times and without restriction. – Have a “Body Mass Index” of between 18 and 30 kg/m² (BMI = Weight/Height²)*
– finally it is strongly recommended to know how to swim a minimum of 25 m without material assistance. Note that selection tests are put in place for joining the Foreign Legion, – psychotechnical tests in particular which aim to assess the intellectual level,
Personality and motivation of the candidate. They include tests of logic, memory, reasoning, personality and French. – also Sports Tests: they aim to assess the candidate’s physical level and ability to adapt. They include running tests, pull-ups, obstacle courses and swimming.
– Medical tests also which aim to verify the medical aptitude of the candidate. They include a clinical examination, a blood test, a dental assessment, an ophthalmological assessment, an ENT assessment, a cardiac assessment, a radiological assessment as well as a psychiatric assessment. – Finally, an individual interview is organized aimed at assessing the personality,
Background, motivations and projects of the candidate. It is carried out by an officer or non-commissioned officer of the foreign legion. Joining the Foreign Legion is therefore not an easy process, nor a decision to be taken lightly. You must be ready to commit for five years, to change your
Name, to renounce your original nationality, to accept strict discipline, to serve in all places and at all times, to risk your life for France. You must also meet administrative, physical and medical conditions, and pass rigorous selection tests . But joining the Foreign Legion also means joining a family, a community,
A tradition. It also means benefiting from training, progression and recognition. Ultimately, it’s about living experiences, adventures, and challenges. Famous people who joined the Foreign Legion Among the thousands of legionnaires who served under the French flag, some became famous for their exploits, their talent or their origin. Here are some
Examples of personalities who served in the Foreign Legion: – first of all Ferdinand Walsin Esterhazy: he is the real culprit of the Dreyfus Affair, which tore France apart at the end of the 19th century. Accused of having transmitted military secrets to Germany, he succeeded in having Captain Alfred
Dreyfus, a Jewish officer, wrongly accused. To escape justice, he joined the foreign legion in 1898, under the name of Count de Voilemont. He served in Tonkin, Indochina, where he died of malaria in 1923. – We can also cite Cole Porter: one of the greatest American composers of popular music, author of numerous hits
Such as “Night and Day”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” or “Anything Goes.” In 1917, he enlisted in the Foreign Legion, as the United States entered the war against Germany. He was assigned to the musical section of the legion’s headquarters in Paris, where he composed patriotic songs for the soldiers.
– we also cite Jean Genet: one of the greatest French writers of the 20th century, author of novels, plays and poems, often inspired by his experience of marginality, homosexuality and revolt. In 1936, he joined the Foreign Legion, after being sentenced to prison
For theft. He served in Morocco, where he deserted several times, before being discharged from the legion in 1940. – Gnassingbé Eyadéma, president of Togo from 1967 to 2005, and the oldest African head of state at his death, also began his military career in the foreign legion,
Which he joined in 1953. He fought in Indochina, Algeria and Congo, where he participated in the coup that overthrew President Patrice Lumumba. He left the legion in 1962, and took charge of the Togolese army, before seizing power in a coup d’état in 1967. – Finally Simon Murray: a British businessman
, founder and president of several companies in the fields of energy, telecommunications and finance. He was the first foreigner to head a Chinese state-owned company, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation. In 1960, he joined the Foreign Legion, at the age of 19, to escape the routine
Of his private school. He served in Algeria during the war of independence, where he was wounded and decorated. He left the legion in 1965, and began his career in international trade. These five examples show the diversity of profiles and backgrounds of the legionnaires,
Who all have in common that they have served France with honor and loyalty. The Foreign Legion is a unique institution, which welcomes men of all origins, all cultures and all beliefs, and which offers them a second chance, a new identity and a new family. As the Legion’s motto says: “Legio Patria Nostra” (The
Legion is our Homeland). The Foreign Legion: refuge for the condemned? The foreign legion recruits volunteers of all nationalities, including people with criminal records. However, the Foreign Legion is not an easy solution for convicts, because it imposes strict conditions of engagement
And rigorous control of its candidates. – Thus a clean criminal record is required or proof of non-conviction of more than 10 years in prison or an infamous sentence. The foreign legion indeed carries out checks with national and international authorities to ensure that candidates are not wanted for
Serious crimes, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, rape or murder. The motivations of legionnaires with criminal records are sometimes diverse and varied. Some seek to escape their past, to redeem their behavior, to give themselves a second chance, to find a new identity or a new family.
Others are attracted by adventure, challenge, prestige, camaraderie or a sense of belonging. Still others are driven by necessity, desperation, curiosity or chance. Whatever their motivations, legionnaires must demonstrate strong commitment, rigorous discipline and respect for the values of the French Republic.
They must also agree to give up their old life, to cut ties with their family and friends, to change their name and nationality, to live in difficult conditions, to risk their lives in theaters of operations, to submit to the hierarchy and rules of the legion.
The journeys of legionnaires with criminal records are often marked by trials , successes, failures, disillusionments, regrets, honors, injuries, or quite simply deaths… Some stand out for their bravery, their competence, their merit, and their exemplarity. Others, on the contrary, stand out for their indiscipline, their desertion, their delinquency, or even their
Criminality. Some remain loyal to the legion until the end of their contract, or even beyond. Others, however, leave prematurely, voluntarily or not. Some find a normal life after the legion, even a better life. Others fall back into their old ways, or even worse.
In conclusion, the foreign legion is not a refuge for the condemned, but an opportunity for those who want to change their lives, serve France and join a close-knit community. Legionnaires with a criminal record must facing challenges, risks, sacrifices, but also opportunities, rewards, honors. Their journey is often exceptional, sometimes tragic, always unique.
The limits of cohesion within the Foreign Legion The Foreign Legion is a multiracial and monocultural society, which welcomes men of all origins, all cultures and all convictions, and which offers them a second chance, a new identity and a new family. To do this, it relies
On strong cohesion, based on common values, rigorous discipline, unfailing solidarity and a living tradition. However, this cohesion is not without limits or challenges. It can be undermined by internal or external factors, such as desertion, diversity, modernity or politics. Thus desertion is a phenomenon which has affected the foreign legion since its creation.
It is often linked to the difficulty of adaptation of legionnaires to a demanding lifestyle, to strict discipline, to a rigid hierarchy, to precarious living conditions, to dangerous missions, to distant assignments or to changes of direction. personal situation . Desertion can also be motivated by political, ideological,
Religious or ethnic reasons, which conflict with the duty to serve France with honor and loyalty. Desertion can have serious consequences on legionary cohesion, because it weakens the morale, confidence, respect and esprit de corps of the legionnaires. It can also tarnish the image and reputation of the foreign legion, which aims to be an
Elite, loyal and dedicated unit. To combat desertion, the Foreign Legion has put in place preventive, repressive and educational measures, aimed at strengthening the commitment, motivation, integration, training, monitoring and support of the legionnaires. Diversity is a wealth, but also a challenge for the foreign legion. It
Recruits men of more than 140 nationalities, who speak different languages, who have different cultures, different religions, different opinions, different backgrounds. This diversity can be a source of conflicts, tensions, misunderstandings, discrimination, rejections, violence, which can harm legionary cohesion . To avoid these pitfalls, the Foreign Legion adopted a policy
Of monoculturalism, which consists of making all legionnaires adopt French culture, language, nationality, and values, as well as its symbols and traditions. This policy aims to create an identity, belonging, pride and common brotherhood, which transcend individual differences. It also aims to promote the assimilation, integration, participation, contribution, recognition, promotion of legionnaires within French society.
The Foreign Legion in popular culture The Foreign Legion gave rise to a whole production of works of art, which ended up constituting a particular mythology. She inspired songs, films, books, comics, video games, which helped to disseminate her image and her values. The Foreign Legion was thus sung by many artists, who expressed
Their admiration, their sympathy, their curiosity or their irony towards it. Among the most famous songs , we can cite: – Mon légionnaire: the original version of which was written by Raymond Asso, the music by Marguerite Monnot, in 1936, and which was performed by Marie Dubas, the
Most famous version being however that of Edith Piaf. It tells the story of a woman who loves an anonymous legionnaire and who follows him to the desert, where he dies. It was taken over in 1987 by Serge Gainsbourg. – let us also quote No, I regret nothing: a song also performed by Édith
Piaf in 1956, and dedicated by the Môme to the Legion, and taken up by numerous legionnaires following the generals’ putsch in 1961. It expresses pride , the dignity and loyalty of the legionnaires, who are not afraid to die for France. – also The Legion Pennant: song
Created in 1936 by Marie Dubas, which describes the green and red pennant of the Legion, symbol of its honor and glory, which flutters in the wind on the battlefields. – another famous song: French Foreign Legion: sung by Frank Sinatra in 1958,
Which evokes the Legion as an escape from heartache, but also as an adventure full of dangers and surprises. – finally in a different style: A tough one, a real one, a tattooed one: a song taken from the film Raphaël le tatoué by Christian-Jaque,
Performed by Fernandel in 1938, which gently makes fun of the legionnaires, presenting them as rough men, brave, but a little naive. Also the Foreign Legion has been brought to the screen by numerous directors, who have depicted its exploits, its dramas, its mysteries, its codes, its characters. Among the best-known films, we can mention:
– La Bandera: by Julien Duvivier, released in 1935, with Jean Gabin and Annabella. It tells the story of a man who joins the Legion to flee the police, and who ends up in Morocco, where he falls in love with a Spanish dancer. It is considered the first
Realistic film about the Legion. – other film: Beau Geste: by William A. Wellman, released in 1939, with Gary Cooper and Ray Milland. It is adapted from the eponymous novel by PC Wren, which narrates the adventures of three English brothers who join the Legion to
Protect a family secret, and who confront Arab tribes in the desert. It is considered the most famous film about the Legion. – also include: The Legion jumps on Kolwezi: by Raoul Coutard, released in 1980, with Bruno Cremer and Jacques Perrin. It traces Operation Bonite, which allowed the Legion
To free European hostages held by Katangese rebels in Zaire in 1978. It is considered the most realistic film about the Legion. – to finish and for admirers of Jean Claude Van Damme: Legionnaire: by Peter MacDonald, released in 1998, obviously starring JCVD.
It features a French boxer who joins the Legion to escape the mafia, and who fights in North Africa against the Berbers. It is considered the most spectacular film about the Legion. Finally, the Foreign Legion has been written by numerous authors, who have told
Its stories, its legends, its secrets, its values, its men. Among the most notable books , we can cite: – Beau Geste:, published in 1924, which inspired the film of the same name. It is the first volume of a trilogy, which also includes Beau Sabreur and Beau Ideal. It is considered the
Most popular book about the Legion. – let us also cite Legionnaire: by Simon Murray, published in 1978, which is the testimony of a former British legionnaire, who served in Algeria during the war of independence, from 1960 to 1965. He reveals the behind the scenes, the rites, the codes, the trials, the joys,
The sorrows, which make up the daily life of a legionnaire. It is considered the most authentic book about the Legion. The foreign legion thus left its mark on popular culture, with its singularity, its diversity, its nobility, its bravery, its loyalty. It has aroused the admiration, curiosity and
Criticism of many artists, who have contributed to disseminating its image and its values. She also touched the hearts, the minds, the imagination, of numerous spectators, readers, listeners, who discovered her universe and her people. What remains in the end are numerous works of art,
Which helped to create a romantic and heroic image of its members, but which also revealed the darkest or most human aspects of their condition. The Foreign Legion has thus become the symbol of French popular culture, which reflects the values, dreams and contradictions of the nation.
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