11th Foreign Infantry Regiment
| 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment (11e Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1939-1940 |
| Country |  France |
| Allegiance |  Foreign Legion |
| Branch | French Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | 3,000 men |
| Engagements | World War II |
The 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment (French: 11e Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie, 11e 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
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
- Major (France)
- Music of the Foreign Legion (MLE)
- Peter J. Ortiz
- 12th Foreign Infantry Regiment
Notes
References
- Porch, Douglas. The French Foreign Legion: The Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force. HarperCollins, New York, 1991. ISBN 978-0-06-092308-2
- Boyd, Douglas (2006). The French Foreign Legion. England: Sutton Publishing. ISBN 0-7509-3939-7.
External links
- 11e REI - History of the 11e REI