ENLIST
The 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment
The new book by retired Major Jean-Michel Houssin on the history of the 11th REI
By Louis Perez y Cid.
The 11th REI was born in the urgency of spring 1940, when France was trying to contain the German offensive. Formed of volunteers from many countries, the regiment embodies the very spirit of the Foreign Legion: men without the same language or origin, but united under the same flag.
The 11th REI was born in the urgency of spring 1940, when France was trying to contain the German offensive. Formed of volunteers from many countries, the regiment embodies the very spirit of the Foreign Legion: men without the same language or origin, but united under the same flag.
Barely formed, the 11th REI was thrown into battle. The legionnaires fought almost relentlessly during the Battle of France, often outnumbered and under constant pressure. Despite bombardments, encirclement, and very heavy losses, the regiment held its positions and fought fiercely.
In the testimonies and accounts of veterans, one idea often recurs: the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment (11e REI) was never defeated on the battlefield. It was broken by the general collapse of France, not by the surrender of its men.
An old book, Never Defeated, written by a surviving non-commissioned officer, aptly summarizes this memory. Until the very last days, the legionnaires continued fighting, refusing to yield until an official order compelled them to cease arms. It was only after the armistice of June 22, 1940, that the regiment ceased fighting. Exhausted, decimated, but still disciplined, the 11th REI was disbanded shortly thereafter.
Its existence was brief, but its memory remains that of a regiment of sacrifice and loyalty, a symbol of a Foreign Legion that, even in the defeat of 1940, preserved its honor intact.
To order this book:
This book has 240 pages in A4 format and is printed in full color.
It is available in two versions:
In the testimonies and accounts of veterans, one idea often recurs: the 11th Foreign Infantry Regiment (11e REI) was never defeated on the battlefield. It was broken by the general collapse of France, not by the surrender of its men.
An old book, Never Defeated, written by a surviving non-commissioned officer, aptly summarizes this memory. Until the very last days, the legionnaires continued fighting, refusing to yield until an official order compelled them to cease arms. It was only after the armistice of June 22, 1940, that the regiment ceased fighting. Exhausted, decimated, but still disciplined, the 11th REI was disbanded shortly thereafter.
Its existence was brief, but its memory remains that of a regiment of sacrifice and loyalty, a symbol of a Foreign Legion that, even in the defeat of 1940, preserved its honor intact.
To order this book:
This book has 240 pages in A4 format and is printed in full color.
It is available in two versions:
Paperback version at a retail price of €39, sold by Éditions Mémorabilia
Hardcover version at a retail price of €45, sold by GRLE (details not yet available)
You can also order either version by contacting the author, Jean-Michel Houssin, directly at:
jeanmichelhoussin@gmail.com
+33 6 25 96 02 87