The French Foreign Legion by Douglas Boyd

Legionnaires have accepted this so long as the deal was fair and honest. Boyd’s knowledge of French politics over a span of nearly two centuries, particularly in Indochina and North Africa, gives him a clear perspective on the Legion’s activities, and throws light on the reasons for its successes and failures, and for its sometimes recalcitrant attitude.įor the greater part of its existence, the Legion has been unashamedly used by French governments for operations overseas that attracted little support or interest at home and for which the average Frenchman had no taste. This major work weaves French political warp with the weft of the Foreign Legion to produce a comprehensive, tight and fascinating history.

He understands what motivates the French and what motivates the Legion. Living in France and speaking French like a native, Douglas Boyd has long been fascinated by the Legion and explored the subject in earlier writings. Many have died and many more been wounded performing deeds of the most amazing valour, but until now little has been known of the social and geopolitical circumstances in which they were achieved. Their Latin motto Legio patria nostra means ‘the Legion is our country’ and tens of thousands of legionnaires have fought for this adopted country, winning themselves worldwide respect and admiration. The other characteristic that makes them good soldiers is their craving for the satisfaction of duty done and orders obeyed. Legionnaires – I was one myself – have always loved a fight, man against man, section against section, company against company. Since King Louis Philippe created the French Foreign Legion in 1831, thousands of books and articles have been written and countless films made about this mysterious, myth shrouded body of men which has been almost continuously in combat in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas ever since. Legion Captain Borelli, to his legionnairesĬhapter 15: Blindfolds and bullets on the boulevardsĬhapter 20: Miracle and massacre at TaghitĬhapter 27: Veterans and Volunteers: Confusion and CourageĬhapter 28: Whose side are we on, sergeant?Ĭhapter 29: Which side did you say, Miss?Ĭhapter 30: ‘La Miss’ and the heroes of Bir Hakeim The sworn duty with which you were tasked? They say that you’re without honour or faith, N’avez-vous pas tenu, tenu jusqu’au martyre, Que fallait-il de plus et qu’aurait-on voulu ? This edition published in 2015 by Endeavour Press Ltd. Second edition 2010 by Ian Allan Publishing

Douglas Boyd has asserted his rights under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the author of this work.įirst published 2006 by Sutton Publishing, Thrupp

The French Foreign Legion by Douglas Boyd