Régiment de marche du Tchad
Encyclopedia
The Régiment de marche du Tchad (RMT, "Ad hoc Regiment of Chad") in a mechanised unit of the French Army
, belonging to the Troupes de Marine
. It is garrisoned north of Noyon
, and is part of the 2nd Armoured Brigade
.
The Regiment employs 1 200 people, both military and civilian personnel. It is composed of
The RMT was formed grouping personnel from mainland France belonging to the Régiment de Tirailleurs Sénégalais du Tchad, as well as other elements from mainland France or from Europe who had joined the Allies in North Africa. For instance, its 9th company, commanded by captain Raymond Dronne
, was nicknamed La Nueve because it was mainly formed with veterans from the Republican
side of the Spanish Civil War
. The 9th Company was actually formed in Chad
(1941), before the regiment as a whole.
received information that a great civilian revolt against the Germans had broken out in Paris. He requested the Allied Supreme Command to send French troops to liberate the capital. Upon receiving instruction to advance on Paris with the 2nd Division, Leclerc ordered the 9th Armoured Company to march onto Paris
as an advance party.
At 21:22 hours the night of August 24, 1944, the 9th Armoured Company burst into the centre of Paris via the Porte d'Italie. On entering the Town Hall Square, a 9th Company tank, "Ebro", fired the first shots against a large group of German artillery and machine guns. Civilians took to the streets singing La Marseillaise
, and were surprised when they discovered that the soldiers that had turned the course of the battle of Paris
were of Spanish origin. Later, the commander of the 9th Company, Raymond Dronne, demanded unconditional surrender from the German commander, Dietrich von Choltitz
.
While awaiting the final capitulation, the 9th Company assaulted the Chamber of Deputies, the Hotel Majestic and the Place de la Concorde
, suffering just one casualty. At 3:30pm of August 25, the German garrison of Paris
surrendered to 9th Company soldiers, who took von Choltilz as a prisoner, while other 2nd Division units began to arrive at the French capital.
The next day, August 26, Allied troops entered Paris in triumph; the 2nd Division marched past Notre Dame de Paris
and escorted General Charles De Gaulle along the Champs Elysees. The 9th Armoured Company marched under the colours of the Second Spanish Republic
.
The Régiment de marche du Tchad is often associated with the pledge made by Leclerc, then a colonel, never to cease fighting before French colours were flying over the cathedral of Strasbourg. It took part in the Liberation of Alençon, and most famously in the Liberation of Paris
, being one of the first units to enter the city when the ninth company escorted a tank platoon of the 501e RCC (501e régiment de chars de combat). It later took part in the Liberation of Strasbourg
, in November 1944.
The 9th Company distinguished itself in battles in France and Germany and was among the first allied units to reach the Kehlsteinhaus
(Hitler's "Eagle's Nest") in the German Alps (1945).
Elements of the Régiment de marche took part in Uzbin Valley ambush
. The tenth soldier killed that day belong to the RMT.
; hence, its flag is inscribed with the names of three battles in which its parent took part: Koufra
(1941), Fezzan
(1942), and Sud-Tunisien
(1943). The three other names are those of battles in which the RMT itself took part as such: Alençon (1944), Paris (1944), and Strasbourg (1944).
The RMT was awarded the Ordre de la Libération
("Order of the Liberation") on 12 June 1945, and the Croix de Guerre
1939-1945 with 4 palms; it also sports the Presidential Unit Citation
(USA) awarded to the entire 2nd Armoured Division. Consequently, its men wear the fourragère
of the Médaille militaire
with an sphere representing the Croix de guerre 1939-1945, and the fourragère of the Ordre de la Libération, since 18 June 1996.
Because the patron saint of the Troupes de Marine is God Himself, all internal ceremonies of the RMT are concluded by the line "Et au Nom de Dieu, vive la coloniale !" ("and in the name of God, long live the Colonial"). It was first uttered by Charles de Foucauld
when he saw colonial troops arrive to his rescue when, as a missionary, he found himself in trouble with local tribes.
He is a Companion of the Liberation since June 12, 1945 and is also decorated with the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945, awarded with four flippers and the Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to the U.S. 2nd Armoured Division. He is entitled to use the forage in the colors of the Military Medal ribbon with olive-colored ribbon of the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 and since 18 June 1996 to feed the colors of the ribbon of the Cross of the Order release. See the list of companions of the Liberation.
French Army
The French Army, officially the Armée de Terre , is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces.As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars, 18,350 part-time reservists and 7,700 Legionnaires. All soldiers are professionals, following the suspension of conscription, voted in...
, belonging to the Troupes de Marine
Troupes de marine
The or Infanterie de marine, formerly Troupes coloniales, are an arm of the French Army with a colonial heritage. The Troupes de marine have a dedicated overseas service role. Despite their title they have been a part of the Army since 1958...
. It is garrisoned north of Noyon
Noyon
Noyon is a commune in the Oise department in northern France.It lies on the Oise Canal, 100 km north of Paris.-History:...
, and is part of the 2nd Armoured Brigade
2nd Armoured Brigade (France)
The 2nd Armoured Brigade is an armoured unit of the French Army. It is heir to the honours and traditions of the 2nd Armoured Division commanded by Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque....
.
The Regiment employs 1 200 people, both military and civilian personnel. It is composed of
- a Command and Logistics Company (CCL, "Compagnie de Commandement et Logistique")
- an Exploration and Support Company (CEA, "Compagnie d'éclairage et d'appui")
- a Training Base Company (CBI, "Compagnie de Base d'Instruction")
- four Combat companies
History
The Régiment de marche du Tchad was formed in July 1943. It became the infantry regiment of the 2nd Armoured Division.The RMT was formed grouping personnel from mainland France belonging to the Régiment de Tirailleurs Sénégalais du Tchad, as well as other elements from mainland France or from Europe who had joined the Allies in North Africa. For instance, its 9th company, commanded by captain Raymond Dronne
Raymond Dronne
Capitaine Raymond Dronne , French civil servant and, following World War II, a politician. He was the first Allied officer to enter Paris as part of the liberation forces during World War II. A volunteer who joined the Free French Forces in Africa in 1940...
, was nicknamed La Nueve because it was mainly formed with veterans from the Republican
Second Spanish Republic
The Second Spanish Republic was the government of Spain between April 14 1931, and its destruction by a military rebellion, led by General Francisco Franco....
side of the Spanish Civil War
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil WarAlso known as The Crusade among Nationalists, the Fourth Carlist War among Carlists, and The Rebellion or Uprising among Republicans. was a major conflict fought in Spain from 17 July 1936 to 1 April 1939...
. The 9th Company was actually formed in Chad
Chad
Chad , officially known as the Republic of Chad, is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republic to the south, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest, and Niger to the west...
(1941), before the regiment as a whole.
Liberation of Paris
On August 20, 1944 Charles De GaulleCharles de Gaulle
Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II. He later founded the French Fifth Republic in 1958 and served as its first President from 1959 to 1969....
received information that a great civilian revolt against the Germans had broken out in Paris. He requested the Allied Supreme Command to send French troops to liberate the capital. Upon receiving instruction to advance on Paris with the 2nd Division, Leclerc ordered the 9th Armoured Company to march onto Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
as an advance party.
At 21:22 hours the night of August 24, 1944, the 9th Armoured Company burst into the centre of Paris via the Porte d'Italie. On entering the Town Hall Square, a 9th Company tank, "Ebro", fired the first shots against a large group of German artillery and machine guns. Civilians took to the streets singing La Marseillaise
La Marseillaise
"La Marseillaise" is the national anthem of France. The song, originally titled "Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin" was written and composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in 1792. The French National Convention adopted it as the Republic's anthem in 1795...
, and were surprised when they discovered that the soldiers that had turned the course of the battle of Paris
Liberation of Paris
The Liberation of Paris took place during World War II from 19 August 1944 until the surrender of the occupying German garrison on August 25th. It could be regarded by some as the last battle in the Battle for Normandy, though that really ended with the crushing of the Wehrmacht forces between the...
were of Spanish origin. Later, the commander of the 9th Company, Raymond Dronne, demanded unconditional surrender from the German commander, Dietrich von Choltitz
Dietrich von Choltitz
General der Infanterie Dietrich von Choltitz was the German military governor of Paris during the closing days of the German occupation of that city during World War II...
.
While awaiting the final capitulation, the 9th Company assaulted the Chamber of Deputies, the Hotel Majestic and the Place de la Concorde
Place de la Concorde
The Place de la Concorde in area, it is the largest square in the French capital. It is located in the city's eighth arrondissement, at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées.- History :...
, suffering just one casualty. At 3:30pm of August 25, the German garrison of Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
surrendered to 9th Company soldiers, who took von Choltilz as a prisoner, while other 2nd Division units began to arrive at the French capital.
The next day, August 26, Allied troops entered Paris in triumph; the 2nd Division marched past Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris , also known as Notre Dame Cathedral, is a Gothic, Roman Catholic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris: that is, it is the church that contains the cathedra of...
and escorted General Charles De Gaulle along the Champs Elysees. The 9th Armoured Company marched under the colours of the Second Spanish Republic
Second Spanish Republic
The Second Spanish Republic was the government of Spain between April 14 1931, and its destruction by a military rebellion, led by General Francisco Franco....
.
The Régiment de marche du Tchad is often associated with the pledge made by Leclerc, then a colonel, never to cease fighting before French colours were flying over the cathedral of Strasbourg. It took part in the Liberation of Alençon, and most famously in the Liberation of Paris
Liberation of Paris
The Liberation of Paris took place during World War II from 19 August 1944 until the surrender of the occupying German garrison on August 25th. It could be regarded by some as the last battle in the Battle for Normandy, though that really ended with the crushing of the Wehrmacht forces between the...
, being one of the first units to enter the city when the ninth company escorted a tank platoon of the 501e RCC (501e régiment de chars de combat). It later took part in the Liberation of Strasbourg
Liberation of Strasbourg
The Liberation of Strasbourg constituted the dramatically symbolic high point for the rehabilitation of the honor of French arms as the Allies advanced across France toward Germany in 1944...
, in November 1944.
The 9th Company distinguished itself in battles in France and Germany and was among the first allied units to reach the Kehlsteinhaus
Kehlsteinhaus
The Kehlsteinhaus is a chalet-style structure erected on a subpeak of the Hoher Göll known as the Kehlstein. It was built as an extension of the Obersalzberg complex erected in the mountains above Berchtesgaden...
(Hitler's "Eagle's Nest") in the German Alps (1945).
Elements of the Régiment de marche took part in Uzbin Valley ambush
Uzbin Valley ambush
The Uzbin Valley ambush occurred when ISAF troops were ambushed by Afghan militants in eastern Afghanistan on 18 August 2008. It took place outside the village of Spēṟ Kunday, of the Surobi District of Kabul province and resulted in heavy casualties to the French ISAF contingent.A NATO report of...
. The tenth soldier killed that day belong to the RMT.
Honours
Because of the circumstances of its formation, the RMT inherited the honours of the Régiment de Tirailleurs Sénégalais du TchadSenegalese Tirailleurs
The Senegalese Tirailleurs were a corps of colonial infantry in the French Army recruited from Senegal,French West Africa and throughout west, central and east Africa, the main province of the French colonial empire...
; hence, its flag is inscribed with the names of three battles in which its parent took part: Koufra
Battle of Kufra (1941)
The Battle of Kufra was part of the World War II Allies Western Desert Campaign in the colony of Italian Libya, in the Libyan Desert of present day southeastern Libya...
(1941), Fezzan
Fezzan
Fezzan is a south western region of modern Libya. It is largely desert but broken by mountains, uplands, and dry river valleys in the north, where oases enable ancient towns and villages to survive deep in the otherwise inhospitable Sahara.-Name:...
(1942), and Sud-Tunisien
Tunisia Campaign
The Tunisia Campaign was a series of battles that took place in Tunisia during the North African Campaign of the Second World War, between Axis and Allied forces. The Allies consisted of British Imperial Forces, including Polish and Greek contingents, with American and French corps...
(1943). The three other names are those of battles in which the RMT itself took part as such: Alençon (1944), Paris (1944), and Strasbourg (1944).
The RMT was awarded the Ordre de la Libération
Ordre de la Libération
The Ordre de la Libération is a French Order awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War II. It is an exceptional honor, the second highest after the Légion d’Honneur and only a small number of people and military units have received it, exclusively for deeds accomplished...
("Order of the Liberation") on 12 June 1945, and the Croix de Guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
1939-1945 with 4 palms; it also sports the Presidential Unit Citation
Presidential Unit Citation
The Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
(USA) awarded to the entire 2nd Armoured Division. Consequently, its men wear the fourragère
Fourragère
The fourragère is a military award, distinguishing military units as a whole, that is shaped as a braided cord. The award has been firstly adopted by France, followed by other nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.- History :...
of the Médaille militaire
Médaille militaire
The Médaille militaire is a decoration of the French Republic which was first instituted in 1852.-History:The creator of the médaille was the emperor Napoléon III, who may have taken his inspiration in a medal issued by his father, Louis Bonaparte, King of Holland...
with an sphere representing the Croix de guerre 1939-1945, and the fourragère of the Ordre de la Libération, since 18 June 1996.
Because the patron saint of the Troupes de Marine is God Himself, all internal ceremonies of the RMT are concluded by the line "Et au Nom de Dieu, vive la coloniale !" ("and in the name of God, long live the Colonial"). It was first uttered by Charles de Foucauld
Charles de Foucauld
Charles Eugène de Foucauld was a French Catholic religious and priest living among the Tuareg in the Sahara in Algeria. He was assassinated in 1916 outside the door of the fort he built for protection of the Tuareg and is considered by the Catholic Church to be a martyr...
when he saw colonial troops arrive to his rescue when, as a missionary, he found himself in trouble with local tribes.
Flag of the regiment
His tie is decorated:He is a Companion of the Liberation since June 12, 1945 and is also decorated with the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945, awarded with four flippers and the Presidential Unit Citation is awarded to the U.S. 2nd Armoured Division. He is entitled to use the forage in the colors of the Military Medal ribbon with olive-colored ribbon of the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 and since 18 June 1996 to feed the colors of the ribbon of the Cross of the Order release. See the list of companions of the Liberation.
Decorations
- Cross of the LiberationOrdre de la LibérationThe Ordre de la Libération is a French Order awarded to heroes of the Liberation of France during World War II. It is an exceptional honor, the second highest after the Légion d’Honneur and only a small number of people and military units have received it, exclusively for deeds accomplished...
. - Presidential Unit CitationPresidential Unit CitationThe Presidential Unit Citation is a senior unit award granted to military units which have performed an extremely meritorious or heroic act, usually in the face of an armed enemy...
. - Croix de guerre 1939-1945Croix de guerre 1939-1945 (France)The Croix de guerre 1939–1945 is a French military decoration created on September 26, 1939, to honour people who fought with the Allies against the Axis force at any time during World War II.-Recipients:...
four palms.