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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 |
Organization edit
They 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.
Commanding officers edit
The battalion was commanded by Colonel Simon Petru Cristofini.
Operational history edit
In the spring of 1943 it fought along with the remnants of the German 334th Infantry Division.
See also edit
References edit
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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