3rd Colonial Infantry Division (France)


The 3rd Colonial Infantry Division was a division of the French Marine Forces, comprising both French and colonial troops.
The compagnie franches de la mer or French Marines were created in 1622 by Richelieu, and placed under the Ministry of the Navy in the early 19th century. These were reorganized into régiments d'infanterie coloniale in 1900 and placed under the Ministry of War. In 1958, all Colonial Infantry Regiments were retitled "French Marines", also known as the RIMa.
The 3rd Colonial Infantry Division fought in the First and Second world wars.

World War I

Composition

As part of the French 1st Colonial Corps, at various times it was part of the French First Army, French Second Army, French Third Army, French Fourth Army, French Fifth Army, French Sixth Army, French Seventh Army, French Eighth Army and French Tenth Army.

Engagements

1914: The division fought in the Battle of the Ardennes, the Battle of the Meuse, the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of Champagne.
1915: Many small engagements, plus the Second Battle of Champagne.
1916: The Battle of the Somme.
1917: The Second Battle of the Aisne, and many small engagements.
1918: The Third Battle of the Aisne, the 4th Battle of Champagne, the Second Battle of the Marne, and many minor engagements until the end of the war.

Organization in World War 2

The structure of the division in World War II was as follows: