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The Légion impériale was a military unit created by the Vichy French government in November 1942, with the support of Nazi Ambassador Otto Abetz, to oppose the Allies, who had invaded North Africa in order to drive the Axis out. In April 1943 it was renamed Légion des Volontaires Français de Tunisie (Legion of French Volunteers of Tunisia), and it went into captivity upon the Axis surrender in Africa in May.
| Légion impériale | |
|---|---|
 Symbol of the Phalange Africaine | |
| Active | November 1942 – May 1943 |
| Country |  Vichy France |
| Type | c.400-450 |
| Size | Battalion |
| Part of | 754th Panzergrenadier Regiment |
| Nickname(s) | Französische Freiwilligen Legion or Compagnie Frankonia |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Simon Petru Cristofini |
Organization
editThey were only able to raise a single weak battalion for the Legion, called the Phalange Africaine (African phalanx). It consisted of 400-450 men, about 2/3 French and 1/3 Algerians.[citation needed]
The volunteer unit was formed to fight alongside the retreating Axis troops.[1]
Commanding officers
editThe battalion was commanded by Colonel Simon Petru Cristofini.
Operational history
editIn the spring of 1943 it fought along with the remnants of the German 334th Infantry Division.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Gordon, Bertram M. (1980). Collaborationism in France during the Second World War. Ithaca, New York: Cornell University Press. p. 102. ISBN 0801412633.
Further reading
edit- Afiero, Massimiliano (2024). Germany's French Allies 1941–45. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1472862983.
External links
edit- Pipes, Jason. "334.Infanterie-Division". Retrieved April 4, 2005.
- Wendel, Marcus (2005). "Phalange Africaine". Retrieved April 4, 2005.
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