The 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (french: 1
er Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes, 1
er R.C.P) is the oldest and among the most decorated airborne regiments of the
French Army
The French Army, officially known as the Land Army (french: Armée de Terre, ), is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces. It is responsible to the Government of France, along with the other components of the Armed Force ...
. Established in the French Army in 1943 and formerly part of the
French Air Force since 1937, the chasseur distinguished its Regimental Colors during the campaigns of the
Liberation of Paris, the
First Indochina War
The First Indochina War (generally known as the Indochina War in France, and as the Anti-French Resistance War in Vietnam) began in French Indochina from 19 December 1946 to 20 July 1954 between France and Việt Minh (Democratic Republic of Vi ...
in 1947, 1950, 1953, 1954 and the
Algerian War. This elite regiment is part of the
11th Parachute Brigade
The 11th Parachute Brigade (french: 11e Brigade Parachutiste, 11e BP) is a unit of the French Army, predominantly infantry, part of the French Airborne Units and specialized in air combat and air assault. The brigade's primary vocation is to pr ...
.
The 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment is the only French parachute regiment that traces its roots to the French Air Force, hence the representation of a golden
Hawk on the rank insignia and that of uniforms and which originally referred to the 601st Airborne Infantry Group and 602nd Airborne Infantry Group respectively (601
e G.I.A, 602
e G.I.A).
History, creation and different nominations
The Genesis
In 1935, the
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union,. officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (USSR),. was a List of former transcontinental countries#Since 1700, transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. A flagship communist state, ...
successfully parachuted airborne contingents with various equipment and supporting materials. MAde aware of this, France, dispatched three
officers
An officer is a person who has a position of authority in a hierarchical organization. The term derives from Old French ''oficier'' "officer, official" (early 14c., Modern French ''officier''), from Medieval Latin ''officiarius'' "an officer," f ...
to the Soviet Union,
Captain Frédéric Geille (prime paratrooper and
fighter pilot, Captain Durieux and Captain Charley Durrieu, to familiarize themselves with and train on the parachute techniques adopted by the Soviet Union.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, The Genesis of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment On September 12, 1935 the French Air Minister,
Chief of Staff of the French Air Force, Général Denain, decreed the creation of a parachute training center in Avignon-Pujaut and accordingly on October 3, 1936, French Air Minister Pierre Cot signed a decree which stipulated that Combat Air Brigades can include Air Infantry Units.
On April 1, 1937, two Airborne Infantry Groups (french: Groupe d'infanterie de l'air, G.I.A) were created, the 601st at
Reims and the 602nd at Baraki near
Algiers.
The Airborne Groups conducted their infantry training respectively at the
95th Infantry Regiment (France)) (originally the
Graubünden 9th
Swiss Regiment in service of France) in
Bourges and the 4th Zouaves Regiment (french:
4e régiment de zouaves, 4e R.Z) in
Tunisia
)
, image_map = Tunisia location (orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption = Location of Tunisia in northern Africa
, image_map2 =
, capital = Tunis
, largest_city = capital
, ...
.
In 1939, the 601st Airborne Infantry Group joined the 602nd at Baraki and conducted joint military airborne parachute maneuvers at
Boghar,
Algeria
)
, image_map = Algeria (centered orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Algiers
, coordinates =
, largest_city = capital
, relig ...
using the
Potez 650
The Potez 650 was a French-built military transport aircraft that saw service in World War II. Derived from the Potez 62 airliner, the 650 was specifically built for paratrooper units.
Development
The Potez 62 was a high-wing twin-engine monopla ...
.
World War II
Vosges and Colmar Campaigns
With the outbreak of
World War II
World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great powers—forming two opposing ...
on September 1, 1939, both the 601st and 602nd returned to France. In April 1940, an Air Marching Infantry Company was formed, under the command of
Captain Sauvagnac, which served in the
Niederbronn-les-Bains region of
Alsace
Alsace (, ; ; Low Alemannic German/ gsw-FR, Elsàss ; german: Elsass ; la, Alsatia) is a cultural region and a territorial collectivity in eastern France, on the west bank of the upper Rhine next to Germany and Switzerland. In 2020, it had ...
.
On August 25, 1940, the German offensive of May 1940 pushed the marching company to Marseille-Mérignane, where it boarded for
Oran and then
Algiers where it was subsequently disbanded.
In March 1941, the 1
re C.I.A (french: 1
re Compagnie d'infanterie de l'air, 1
re C.I.A) or Air Infantry Company was formed from components of the two dissolved Airborne Infantry Groups, at
Oued Smar
Oued Smar is a suburb of the city of Algiers in northern Algeria
)
, image_map = Algeria (centered orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Algiers
, coo ...
near Algiers. The 1
re CIA was renamed Air Company n°1 and commanded by Captain Sauvagnac. In January 1943, following the allied landings in North Africa, the 1
re C.I.A or 1st Air Company n°1 landed in
Fes
Fez or Fes (; ar, فاس, fās; zgh, ⴼⵉⵣⴰⵣ, fizaz; french: Fès) is a city in northern inland Morocco and the capital of the Fès-Meknès administrative region. It is the second largest city in Morocco, with a population of 1.11 mi ...
,
Morocco
Morocco (),, ) officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is the westernmost country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and has land borders with Algeria t ...
. Subsequently, the 1
re C.I.A was transformed into the first
battalion
A battalion is a military unit, typically consisting of 300 to 1,200 soldiers commanded by a lieutenant colonel, and subdivided into a number of companies (usually each commanded by a major or a captain). In some countries, battalions a ...
of parachute chasseurs n°1 under the command of Commandant Sauvagnac. On February 1, 1943, the 1
re C.I.A n°1 became the 1st Parachute Chasseur Battalion (1
er BCP) with 4
combat companies
A company, abbreviated as co., is a legal entity representing an association of people, whether natural, legal or a mixture of both, with a specific objective. Company members share a common purpose and unite to achieve specific, declared go ...
and on June 1, 1943, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Battalion (1
er BCP) became the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1
er RCP) with 10
combat companies including a central command and two battalions under the command of Commandant Sauvagnac. Commandant Hartmann took command of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment in June and July 1943 and in August 1943, Commandant Gueille took command of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment while Commandant Faure commanded the 2nd battalion.
In October 1943, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment was attached to the U.S.
82nd Airborne Division and conducted intense training exercises with Douglas type planes.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, L'épopée du régiment of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment On September 28, 1944; organized as a "light reconnaissance troop"; the regiment was assigned to the
First Army (France), 1st Army under disposition orders of
Général
is the French word for general. There are two main categories of generals: the general officers (), which are the highest-ranking commanding officers in the armed forces, and the specialist officers with flag rank (), which are high-level office ...
Jean Joseph Marie Gabriel de Lattre de Tassigny.
Oldest French parachute regiment; the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment of the French Air Force fought during the
Liberation of France
The liberation of France in the Second World War was accomplished through diplomacy, politics and the combined military efforts of the Allied Powers, Free French forces in London and Africa, as well as the French Resistance.
Nazi Germany inv ...
.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, L'épopée du régiment of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment The regiment engaged in
combat during the campaigns of
Vosges
The Vosges ( , ; german: Vogesen ; Franconian and gsw, Vogese) are a range of low mountains in Eastern France, near its border with Germany. Together with the Palatine Forest to the north on the German side of the border, they form a single ...
and
Alsace
Alsace (, ; ; Low Alemannic German/ gsw-FR, Elsàss ; german: Elsass ; la, Alsatia) is a cultural region and a territorial collectivity in eastern France, on the west bank of the upper Rhine next to Germany and Switzerland. In 2020, it had ...
during World War II.
During this time, the regiment was put at the disposition and orders of the
2nd Armored Division commanded by General
Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque
Philippe François Marie Leclerc de Hauteclocque (22 November 1902 – 28 November 1947) was a Free-French general during the Second World War. He became Marshal of France posthumously in 1952, and is known in France simply as le maréchal ...
, engaging the German paratroopers of the 1st Parachute Division in the decisive battle for the liberation of Colmar.
On January 28 and 29, 1945; with temperatures below −20 °C and under a flood of shrapnel shells " house to house, hall after hall", the regiment seizes the Alsatian village of
Jebsheim
Jebsheim is a commune in the Haut-Rhin department in Grand Est in north-eastern France.
During WWII in fighting over the Colmar Pocket, which included Jebsheim, Audie Murphy was awarded the Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the Uni ...
while sustaining 700 injured and dead.
During
Colmar Pocket, the regiment fought alongside the
Commandant
Commandant ( or ) is a title often given to the officer in charge of a military (or other uniformed service) training establishment or academy. This usage is common in English-speaking nations. In some countries it may be a military or police ran ...
Boulanger's III battalion of the
Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion
The Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (RMLE) (french: link=no, Régiment de marche de la Légion étrangère) was a French military unit that fought in World War I and World War II. Initially composed of marching regiments from the 1st Fo ...
(
III battalion/ R.M.L.E, assigned to CC6) of the
French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion (french: Légion étrangère) is a corps of the French Army which comprises several specialties: infantry, Armoured Cavalry Arm, cavalry, Military engineering, engineers, Airborne forces, airborne troops. It was created ...
at Jebsheim (N-E de Colmar) from January 25 to January 30. Whether in the Vosges or Alsace, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment wrote in blood the most glorious pages of the regiment's history: 1150 paratroopers were
injured
Major trauma is any injury that has the potential to cause prolonged disability or death. There are many causes of major trauma, blunt and penetrating, including falls, motor vehicle collisions, stabbing wounds, and gunshot wounds. Dependi ...
and
killed in action; the regimental colors received the first two
2 palms at the orders of the
Armed Forces.
During the final courses of the war, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment of the
French Air Force would be seen transferred to the
French Army
The French Army, officially known as the Land Army (french: Armée de Terre, ), is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces. It is responsible to the Government of France, along with the other components of the Armed Force ...
.
First Indochina War
Battle of Dien Bien Phu
On July 30, 1947, the unit was separated as a regiment and the I, II and III parachute battalions (I/1
er RCP,
er RCP">II/ 1er RCP, III/ 1
er RCP) took part separately in the
First Indochina War
The First Indochina War (generally known as the Indochina War in France, and as the Anti-French Resistance War in Vietnam) began in French Indochina from 19 December 1946 to 20 July 1954 between France and Việt Minh (Democratic Republic of Vi ...
and were referred to as the "III Indochina Battalions".
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, L'Indochine of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment The three parachute battalions engaged successively in airborne operations in and around the delta of Tonkin.
The rapaces of the 1st Parachute Chasseur were the only ones dropped at night on
Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Dien Bien Phu while encircled by Viêt-minh troops.
As an old combatant (french: un ancien) recalled: ''In this month of June, the rice fields were flooded, while we had to land smoothly and softly at night, we still had the inconvenience to extract from our pair of rangers (boots) a beautifully thick and sticky layer. The parachutes where submerged in water and doubled in weight... we tried to remain small because bullets were whistling near our ears''.
The beginning of May 1954, the Viêt-minh troops gave way to the final assault.
On the night of May 1 to May 2; the first and second
combat company rejoined the support point Eilane 4.
One week later, Eliane 4 fell and only 19 survivors all which were taken
prisoners.
Dien Bien Phu was lost and fell on May 7, 1954, at 1730.
The couple of
hectare
The hectare (; SI symbol: ha) is a non-SI metric unit of area equal to a square with 100- metre sides (1 hm2), or 10,000 m2, and is primarily used in the measurement of land. There are 100 hectares in one square kilometre. An acre is ...
s today are filled with corn fields centered by a
stele which commemorates the sacrifices of the
paratroopers
A paratrooper is a military parachutist—someone trained to parachute into a military operation, and usually functioning as part of an airborne force. Military parachutists (troops) and parachutes were first used on a large scale during World ...
and
Legionnaires who served with distinction in the
French Foreign Legion
The French Foreign Legion (french: Légion étrangère) is a corps of the French Army which comprises several specialties: infantry, Armoured Cavalry Arm, cavalry, Military engineering, engineers, Airborne forces, airborne troops. It was created ...
and who wrote a painful and glorious page in the history of the airborne troops of France.
The sacrifice of 400 rapaces of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment since the Indochina engagement in 1947 earned the regiment a new decoration: the
fourragère
The ''fourragère'' () is a military award, distinguishing military units as a whole, in the form of a braided cord. The award was first adopted by France, followed by other nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Fou ...
bearing colors of the
Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures with 7 palms.
Algeria
Algerian War
On November 1, 1954; it is
Toussaint Rouge ("Red All Saints' Day") in
Algeria
)
, image_map = Algeria (centered orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Algiers
, coordinates =
, largest_city = capital
, relig ...
.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, L'Algérie of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment During the day at Arris, rebel terrorist groups intercepted a transport vehicle carrying dozens of Muslims and one couple of young teachers.
The rebel terrorists killed the
Qaid
Qaid ( ar , قائد ', "commander"; pl. '), also spelled kaid or caïd, is a word meaning "commander" or "leader." It was a title in the Norman kingdom of Sicily, applied to palatine officials and members of the ''curia'', usually to those ...
and the two Europeans.
The insurrectionary debuted and the first bombs exploded in
Algiers, and all over
Algeria
)
, image_map = Algeria (centered orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Algiers
, coordinates =
, largest_city = capital
, relig ...
counted thirty-some coordinated suicides are targets.
It was the commencement of a seven-year war torn era.
Already on the ground since 1949, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment quickly engaged in the first military operations to maintain order.
In the city of
Alger, the regiment participated to the reestablishing of order and security.
Nevertheless, the conflict radicalized itself quickly.
The rebellion touched all the regions.
Recovery, search and patrol operations in the Djebel were distracted by combat engagements with the rebels that slowed down the progression and lead to the loss of human life from one side like the other.
Aflou, Ain Roua, Bordj Gasses, Ain Soltan, Masqueray, El Milia, Djebel Bezzez...
combat engagements were violent.
Following a 15-year
garrison on the
Algeria
)
, image_map = Algeria (centered orthographic projection).svg
, map_caption =
, image_map2 =
, capital = Algiers
, coordinates =
, largest_city = capital
, relig ...
n soil; the regiment was repatriated to mainland France before the
ceasefire
A ceasefire (also known as a truce or armistice), also spelled cease fire (the antonym of 'open fire'), is a temporary stoppage of a war in which each side agrees with the other to suspend aggressive actions. Ceasefires may be between state act ...
.
The regiment headquartered garrison on July 3, 1959, at Moulins-Lès-Metz,
Moselle.
The following year, the regiment followed Pau in the
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (; Gascon Occitan: ''Pirenèus Atlantics''; eu, Pirinio Atlantiarrak or ) is a department in the southwest corner of France and of the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Named after the Pyrenees mountain range and the Atlant ...
.
The campaign AFN 1952–1962 was inscribed on the regimental colors of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment.
Lebanon
Lebanese Civil War
The 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment participated at the request of the
Lebanese Government
Lebanon is a parliamentary democratic republic within the overall framework of confessionalism, a form of consociationalism in which the highest offices are proportionately reserved for representatives from certain religious communities. The ...
in serving within the ranks of the
Multinational Force in Lebanon
The Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF) was an international peacekeeping force created in August 1982 following a 1981 U.S.-brokered ceasefire between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel to end their involvement in the confl ...
in 1982. On the morning of October 23, 1983; the
bombing of the Drakkar barracks claimed the lives of 55 paratroopers of the 3rd
combat company of
Captain Jacky Thomas
French paratrooper Captain Jacky Thomas of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment and 3 paratroopers of the
9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, Drakkar of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment On November 10, 1983; the 1st combat company of
Captain Lanoux embarked at
Beirut
Beirut, french: Beyrouth is the capital and largest city of Lebanon. , Greater Beirut has a population of 2.5 million, which makes it the third-largest city in the Levant region. The city is situated on a peninsula at the midpoint o ...
to replace the 3rd combat company.
On December 1, 1983; paratrooper Gallais died from his
wounds
A wound is a rapid onset of injury that involves lacerated or punctured skin (an ''open'' wound), or a contusion (a ''closed'' wound) from blunt force trauma or compression. In pathology, a ''wound'' is an acute injury that damages the epiderm ...
during an ambush in Beirut.
Mandated to the
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon ( ar, قوة الأمم المتحدة المؤقتة في لبنان, he, כוח האו"ם הזמני בלבנון), or UNIFIL ( ar, يونيفيل, he, יוניפי״ל), is a UN peacekeeping m ...
(UNIFIL),
the French paratroopers of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment left
Lebanon
Lebanon ( , ar, لُبْنَان, translit=lubnān, ), officially the Republic of Lebanon () or the Lebanese Republic, is a country in Western Asia. It is located between Syria to Lebanon–Syria border, the north and east and Israel to Blue ...
in February 1984. Only two years later; both paratroopers regiments of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment and 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment would find themselves back in Lebanon. The 2nd combat company of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment would serve within the ranks of
UNIFIL in 1985 and 1986.
On the other hand, paratroopers of the 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment would serve to their turn the ranks of UNIFIL in 1986, 1998 and 1999
Badges by company and mission of the 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment before the paratroopers of the 9th merged with the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment in 1999.
Foreign operations
In 1970, the 1
er RCP created and implemented a system of "rotating combat companies" in
New Caledonia,
Réunion and
Gabon
Gabon (; ; snq, Ngabu), officially the Gabonese Republic (french: République gabonaise), is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the nort ...
and that in order to make ready immediate pre-positioned forces in case of operational necessity.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, Exterior Operations of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment Almost every year, a
combat company is sent to these territories for missions lasting 4 months.
The Rapaces (term for paratroopers of the 1
er RCP) are deployed around the four corners of the globe where conflicts are born and or at the calling of the international community.
At the stage theatre of exterior operations, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment has both a military and humanitarian approach on callings.
The regiment demined the roads and rice fields in
Cambodia
Cambodia (; also Kampuchea ; km, កម្ពុជា, UNGEGN: ), officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, spanning an area of , bordered by Thailan ...
, ameliorated and constructed schools and gave French lessons.
The regiment also evacuated those exiting French citizens from the
Ivory Coast,
Gabon
Gabon (; ; snq, Ngabu), officially the Gabonese Republic (french: République gabonaise), is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the nort ...
,
Nouméa
Nouméa () is the capital and largest city of the French special collectivity of New Caledonia and is also the largest francophone city in Oceania. It is situated on a peninsula in the south of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre, and ...
,
Tchad
Chad (; ar, تشاد , ; french: Tchad, ), officially the Republic of Chad, '; ) is a landlocked country at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republ ...
,
Mauritania and ex-
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia (; sh-Latn-Cyrl, separator=" / ", Jugoslavija, Југославија ; sl, Jugoslavija ; mk, Југославија ;; rup, Iugoslavia; hu, Jugoszlávia; rue, label=Pannonian Rusyn, Югославия, translit=Juhoslavija ...
.
In a situational crisis, the men of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment are known to always interpose between belligerents and protect civilians at all cost.
Dedicated to such a mission, the regiment sometimes pays the price heavily in
losses.
Ten year later in June 1993, two combat companies of the 1
er RCP land at the aerodrome of
Phnom Penh, in the greater west of
Cambodia
Cambodia (; also Kampuchea ; km, កម្ពុជា, UNGEGN: ), officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, spanning an area of , bordered by Thailan ...
.
Whether on
Patrols in search for opposing rebel groups, or escorting the
convoy
A convoy is a group of vehicles, typically motor vehicles or ships, traveling together for mutual support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support and can help maintain cohesion within a unit. It may also be used ...
s of the
United Nations
The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization whose stated purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmoniz ...
and
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization (NGO) or non-governmental organisation (see American and British English spelling differences#-ise, -ize (-isation, -ization), spelling differences) is an organization that generally is formed independent from g ...
; the missions of the regiment took place in a tense climate with the
Khmer Rouge.
Since 40 years, the Cambodians have been living in a civil war.
The situation degraded end of June with automatic arms firing and intensifying mortar fire rounds bursting the environment.
As a result, to maintain, the primary mission of the paratroopers of the 1
er RCP focused on protecting the population.
The men of the 1
er RCP operated through the seasonal unpredictable
monsoon
A monsoon () is traditionally a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with annual latitudinal osci ...
, the precarious life conditions, tropical diseases, and operations on the most mined terrain of the world.
The arrival of the regiment at
Pamiers
Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although i ...
in 1999 coincided with the professionalism of the
French Army
The French Army, officially known as the Land Army (french: Armée de Terre, ), is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces. It is responsible to the Government of France, along with the other components of the Armed Force ...
.
The 1
er RCP changed status from regiment of calling to a professional regiment.
The tempo and projection rhythm accelerated and operations commenced.
In 2000 the situation in
Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
exploded.
The 1
er RCP landed one reinforcing battalion part of the international brigade in Kosovo, a country ravaged by conflicts between
Serbian authorities and
Albanian separatists.
The principal and immediate mission of the regiment was to ensure the security of the municipal elections.
The regiments immediately managed controlled riots and croud dispersions to the point of effect where the mission became a pivot prolongation to maintain status for a long term peace.
The beginning of the years 2000 witnessed a recurring engagement of the rapaces (paratroopers of the 1
er RCP) on the
Africa
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area ...
n soil around
Tchad
Chad (; ar, تشاد , ; french: Tchad, ), officially the Republic of Chad, '; ) is a landlocked country at the crossroads of North and Central Africa. It is bordered by Libya to the north, Sudan to the east, the Central African Republ ...
,
Gabon
Gabon (; ; snq, Ngabu), officially the Gabonese Republic (french: République gabonaise), is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the nort ...
and
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic (CAR; ; , RCA; , or , ) is a landlocked country in Central Africa. It is bordered by Chad to the north, Sudan to the northeast, South Sudan to the southeast, the DR Congo to the south, the Republic of th ...
.
However, the most marking one would be the
Ivory Coast.
At the end of 2002, a battalion of the 1
er RCP prepositioned in Gabon, was projected in urgency to
Abidjan
Abidjan ( , ; N’ko: ߊߓߌߖߊ߲߬) is the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. As of the 2021 census, Abidjan's population was 6.3 million, which is 21.5 percent of overall population of the country, making it the sixth most populous city p ...
in order to participate in the exiting of French citizens.
As a result, the regiment prepositioned a 3-month duration operation to counter the offensives launched by the rebels and moved to the pursuit of other missions.
In parallel with the departure and demand of global operations; the
combat companies of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment put into motion effect "
Guépard Alert", enacted for urgent interventions.
In March 2004, the regiment lived the departure of two "Guépard Alerts", one on
Haiti and one on
Kosovo
Kosovo ( sq, Kosova or ; sr-Cyrl, Косово ), officially the Republic of Kosovo ( sq, Republika e Kosovës, links=no; sr, Република Косово, Republika Kosovo, links=no), is a partially recognised state in Southeast Euro ...
.
Afghanistan
The 2nd combat company made way to the Afghan capital in January 2006.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, Afghanistan, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment Near 200 paratroopers were deployed around the vicinity of
Kabul
Kabul (; ps, , ; , ) is the capital and largest city of Afghanistan. Located in the eastern half of the country, it is also a municipality, forming part of the Kabul Province; it is administratively divided into 22 municipal districts. Acco ...
or a mission duration of 5 months.
France has been engaged since 5 years amongst the ranks of the
NATO-OTAN ISAF in this country situated at the intersection of civilizations.
Day and night, the 5 combat Para
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two or more squads, sections, or patrols. Platoon organization varies depending on the country and the branch, but a platoon can be composed of 50 people, although specific platoons may rang ...
s, patrol, assured a continuous presence, visible and promising near a population torn by more than 25 years of war.
In 2007, the Rapaces (paratroopers of the 1
er RCP) arrived in the Afghan theatre again, this time however as a constituted and formed battalion.
5 new months of presence at Kabul with a principal mission to control the field of Chamalie, a diverse terrain of more than 250 km
2, as well as protecting
Camp Warehouse
Camp Warehouse was a International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) during the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). It was located 10 km east of Kabul, Kabul Province in Afghanistan. Initially constructed by German soldiers, Camp Warehouse was ...
at the heart of Kabul.
Following the projection of a team in 2009 to train the
Afghan Army
The Army of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (), also referred to as the Islamic Emirate Army and the Afghan Army, is the land force branch of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The roots of an army in Afghanistan can be tr ...
in
Urozgan Province
Uruzgan (Dari), also spelled as Urozgan or Oruzgan, is one of the thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan. Uruzgan is located in the center of the country. The population is 436,079, and the province is mostly a tribal society. Tarinkot serves as th ...
, it is the
Kapisa Province
Kapisa (Pashto/Dari: ) is the smallest of Afghanistan's thirty-four provinces and is located in the north-east of the country. It has an estimated population of 496,840 people and an area of , making it the most densely populated province apar ...
, 80 km north east of Kabul that welcomed in 2011 the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment.
One province and year marked the history of the regiment.
Engaged at the corps of Battle Group Raptor, more than 600 paratroopers got acquainted with rigorous climate, the language barriers, the different cultures, the violence of combat, the
improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device (IED) is a bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action. It may be constructed of conventional military explosives, such as an artillery shell, attached to a detonating mecha ...
s and the suicide attacks of
Afghanistan
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,; prs, امارت اسلامی افغانستان is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. Referred to as the Heart of Asia, it is bordere ...
.
The situation menace was permanent and the paratroopers were continuously engaged in fire
combat exchanges launched by the insurgency; the intensity of combat clashes are indelible.
For combat actions lead in
Afghanistan
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,; prs, امارت اسلامی افغانستان is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. Referred to as the Heart of Asia, it is bordere ...
in 2007 and in summer of 2011, the regimental colors were decorated with the
Cross for Military Valour with 2 palms.
Mali
On January 11, 2013; France intervened in
Mali
Mali (; ), officially the Republic of Mali,, , ff, 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞥆𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 𞤃𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭, Renndaandi Maali, italics=no, ar, جمهورية مالي, Jumhūriyyāt Mālī is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mal ...
and launched
Operation Serval.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment 1er RCP, Section Historique, Mali, the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment Paratroopers of the 1st and 2nd combat company of the 1
er RCP were part of the first elements engaged in the conflict.
Both combat companies were deployed within the regiment's "Guépard Alert".
As of January 26, 2013; both combat companies lead the dispositif and illustrated their tactical capabilities and conquered the Niger river while taking over the airport and the bridge of GAO through an air assault raid.
Shortly after, the paratroopers of the 1
er RCP launched two air assault raids on February 2 at
Kidal
Kidal ( Tuareg Berber: ⴾⴸⵍ, KDL, Kidal) is a town and commune in the desert region of northern Mali. The town lies northeast of Gao and is the capital of the Kidal Cercle and the Kidal Region. The commune has an area of about and incl ...
and February 8 at
Tessalit
Tessalit is a rural commune and village in the Kidal Region of Mali. The village is the administrative centre of Tessalit Cercle (district). The village lies north of Adjelhoc and about from the Algerian border. The ''commune'' extends o ...
to capture both airports.
Subsequently, the paratroopers were engaged in the
Battle of Ifoghas
The Battle of Ifoghas, also known as the Battle of Tigharghâr or the Battle of the Ametettai, took place from 18 February to 31 March 2013, during the Northern Mali conflict. The French army and the Chadian army fought armed Salafist jihadist gro ...
at the heart of the enemy's sanctuary where they confronted at short range in heavy combat, determined insurgents tightly attached to the terrain.
The regiment imposed heavy casualties on the enemy, captured numerous prisoners and recouped a significant quantity of ammunitions.
On March 2, 2013; one rapace (paratrooper) was
killed by enemy fire and accordingly a new name would be subsequently inscribed on the regiment's memorial.
For actions lead in
Mali
Mali (; ), officially the Republic of Mali,, , ff, 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞥆𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 𞤃𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭, Renndaandi Maali, italics=no, ar, جمهورية مالي, Jumhūriyyāt Mālī is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mal ...
in 2013 within Operation Serval, the regimental colors of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment received, from the
Chief of Staff of the
French Army
The French Army, officially known as the Land Army (french: Armée de Terre, ), is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces. It is responsible to the Government of France, along with the other components of the Armed Force ...
général
is the French word for general. There are two main categories of generals: the general officers (), which are the highest-ranking commanding officers in the armed forces, and the specialist officers with flag rank (), which are high-level office ...
Jean-Pierre Bosser, a citation at the orders of the armed forces with attribution of the
Cross for Military Valour with bronze palm.
Organisation
*Command and Logistic Company
*Support and Reconnaissance Company
*1st Combat Company
*2nd Combat Company
*3rd Combat Company
*4th Combat Company
*5th Combat Company
*8th Company (reserve)
Traditions
![MontStMichel-StatueFremiet](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/MontStMichel-StatueFremiet.jpg)
Except for the
Legionnaires of the
1er REG,
2e REG,
2e REP who wear the
Green Beret
The green beret was the official headdress of the British Commandos of the Second World War. It is still worn by members of the Royal Marines after passing the Commando Course, and personnel from other units of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF wh ...
, the remainder of the French army metropolitan and marine paratroopers forming the 11th Parachute Brigade wear the Red Beret.
File:Chuteur Opérationnel.jpg, French Commando Parachute Group
The Commando Parachute Group (french: Groupement des Commandos Parachutistes, GCP) is a unit of elite pathfinders within the French Army's 11th Parachute Brigade (11e BP). These pathfinders are paratroopers drawn from the various regiments of t ...
Brevet of Chuteur Opérationnel
File:Brevet Parachutiste.jpg, French Army Parachute Brevet.
The Archangel Saint Michael, patron of the French paratroopers is celebrated on September 29.
The ''prière du Para'' (Prayer of the Paratrooper) was written by
André Zirnheld in 1938.
Insignias
Just like the paratrooper Brevet of the French Army, the insignia of French Paratroopers was created in 1946. The French Army Insignia of metropolitan Paratroopers represents a closed "winged armed dextrochere", meaning a "right winged arm" armed with a sword pointing upwards. The Insignia makes reference to the Patron of Paratroopers. In fact, the Insignia represents "the right Arm of Saint Michael", the
Archangel
Archangels () are the second lowest rank of angel in the hierarchy of angels. The word ''archangel'' itself is usually associated with the Abrahamic religions, but beings that are very similar to archangels are found in a number of other relig ...
which according to
Liturgy is the "Armed Arm of God". This Insignia is the symbol of righteous combat and fidelity to superior missions. The French Army Insignia of Marine Infantry Paratroopers is backgrounded by a Marine Anchor.
File:Cie para 3REI.JPG, Co. Para du 3e REI Insignia
File:Insigne du 1°RCP.jpg, 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment Regimental Insignia
Regimental colors
bearing, stitched in gold letters in the folds, the following inscriptions:
![1er régiment de chasseurs parachutistes - drapeau](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/1er_r%C3%A9giment_de_chasseurs_parachutistes_-_drapeau.svg)
The flag was presented to the 1st Battalion of the Regiment 14 April 1944 in Paceco Sicily.
Regimental song
The Regimental Song features:
Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment, Section Chant Régimentaire
Régiment de Rapaces
La gloire de tes anciens
Malgré le temps qui passe
Reste notre destin
Au Ménil et en Alsace
Les Paras du Premier
Ont déjà délivré la France
Rendu la liberté
Du Laos au Tonkin
Le bataillon sans fin
Dans les rizières et les Marais
fit la gloire du Premier
Sur la terre africaine
l'avion les a menés
Vers des combats et vers des peines
Qui furent notre fierté
Du Liban aux Balkans
Les Rapaces du premier
Ont toujours su verser leur sang
Pour rétablir la paix
Régiment de Rapaces
Reprenant le flambeau
Prêt à fondre sur la menace
Pour l'honneur du drapeau
Car sur la terre de France
Et ailleurs s'il le fallait
Nous resterions le fer de lance
De notre belle armée
Honours
=Battle honours
=
* Vosges, Vosges 1944
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment, Section Attributs, Le Drapeau du 1er RCP
* Colmar Pocket, Colmar 1945
* Indochine 1947–1950 1953–1954
* AFN 1952–1962
Flag decorations
* Croix de guerre 1939–1945 w/2 palms and its Fourragère
The ''fourragère'' () is a military award, distinguishing military units as a whole, in the form of a braided cord. The award was first adopted by France, followed by other nations such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Fou ...
.
*Croix de guerre des Théatres d'Opérations Extérieures
Croix (French for "cross") may refer to:
Belgium
* Croix-lez-Rouveroy, a village in municipality of Estinnes in the province of Hainaut
France
* Croix, Nord, in the Nord department
* Croix, Territoire de Belfort, in the Territoire de Belfort depa ...
w/7 palms and the Fourragère with ruban colors of the Legion of Honor.
*Croix de la Valeur Militaire
The Cross for Military Valour (french: Croix de la Valeur Militaire) is a military decoration of France. It recognises an individual bestowed a Mention in Dispatches earned for showing valour in presence of an enemy, in theatres of operations wh ...
w/2 palms with its Fourragère for actions lead in Afghanistan
Afghanistan, officially the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan,; prs, امارت اسلامی افغانستان is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. Referred to as the Heart of Asia, it is bordere ...
in 2007 and 2011.
*Croix de la Valeur Militaire
The Cross for Military Valour (french: Croix de la Valeur Militaire) is a military decoration of France. It recognises an individual bestowed a Mention in Dispatches earned for showing valour in presence of an enemy, in theatres of operations wh ...
w/ bronz palm for actions lead in Mali
Mali (; ), officially the Republic of Mali,, , ff, 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞥆𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 𞤃𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭, Renndaandi Maali, italics=no, ar, جمهورية مالي, Jumhūriyyāt Mālī is a landlocked country in West Africa. Mal ...
in 2013 within operation SERVAL.
File:Medaille Militaire dite de la 4e Republique, variante de fabrication privée (France).jpg, Médaille militaire
File:Croix de Guerre 1939 France AVERS.jpg, Croix de guerre 1939–1945
File:AVERS Croix de Guerre TOE France 2 citations.jpg, Croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieurs
File:Croix de la Valeur Militaire France AVERS.jpg, Cross for Military Valor
Mort pour la France
''Mort pour la France'' ( French for "died for France") is a legal expression in France and an honor awarded to people who died during a conflict, usually in service of the country.
Definition
The term is defined in L.488 to L.492 (bis) of the ...
following the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing
Early on a Sunday morning, October 23, 1983, two truck bombs struck buildings in Beirut, Lebanon, housing American and French service members of the Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF), a military peacekeeping operation during the Lebanese ...
:
=1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment Decorations
=
* Médaille militaire
The ''Médaille militaire'' ( en, Military Medal) is a military decoration of the French Republic for other ranks for meritorious service and acts of bravery in action against an enemy force. It is the third highest award of the French Republic, ...
, awarded to the 3rd combat company of Captain Jacky Thomas of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment.
French Ministry of Defense, Official Website of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1er RCP); list of fallen and injured paratroopers by rank and regiment including 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment (9e RCP disbanded 1999 and merged with 1er R.C.P)
=9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment Decorations
=
* Médaille militaire
The ''Médaille militaire'' ( en, Military Medal) is a military decoration of the French Republic for other ranks for meritorious service and acts of bravery in action against an enemy force. It is the third highest award of the French Republic, ...
, awarded to 3 paratroopers
A paratrooper is a military parachutist—someone trained to parachute into a military operation, and usually functioning as part of an airborne force. Military parachutists (troops) and parachutes were first used on a large scale during World ...
of the 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment.
List of Air Infantry Commanders (1937–1954)
List of Airborne Infantry Commander (1937–1947)
List of Indochina Air Infantry Battalion Commander (1946–1954)
Foreign Legion companies (C.E.Ps) attached to 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1er RCP)
* French Foreign Legion, Officers, Sous-Officiers and Legionnaires of the Parachute Company of the 3rd Foreign Infantry Regiment
A parachute is a device used to slow the motion of an object through an atmosphere by creating drag or, in a ram-air parachute, aerodynamic lift. A major application is to support people, for recreation or as a safety device for aviators, who ...
attached to 3rd Indochina Air Infantry Battalion (III)/ 1er RCP.
List of Regimental Commanders (1955–present)
Chasseurs Officers, Legion Officers, Chasseurs and Legionnaires
*Jean Bréchignac
Jean Bréchignac (29 September 1914 – 25 May 1984) was a French Army officer who fought in World War II, First Indochina War and Algerian War. He led the 2nd Battalion, 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1er RCP) in Indochina, most notable during ...
*Philippe Erulin
Philippe Louis Edmé Marie François Erulin (5 July 193226 September 1979) was a senior officer in the French Army. He came from a family of renowned officers and military traditions.
He is best known as the Colonel Commandant of the 2nd Foreign P ...
* Pierre Segrétain
*Paul Arnaud de Foïard
Paul Marie Félix Jacques René Arnaud de Foïard (9 September 1921 – 7 August 2005) was a général of the French Army who served primarily in the French Foreign Legion taking part in World War II and the conflicts of Indochina and Algeria.
M ...
See also
* 24th Airborne Division
* 25th Airborne Division
* Pierre Jeanpierre
* List of French paratrooper units
The history of French airborne units began in the Interwar period when the French Armed Forces formed specialized paratroopers units. First formed in the French Air Force, they were rapidly integrated into the French Army, French Navy, Natio ...
* 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment
The 1st Foreign Parachute Regiment (french: 1er Régiment Etranger de Parachutistes, 1er REP) was an airborne regiment of the Foreign Legion in the French Army which dated its origins to 1948. The regiment fought in the First Indochina War as th ...
* 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment
The 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (french: 2e Régiment étranger de parachutistes, 2e REP) is the only airborne regiment of the Foreign Legion in the French Army. It is one of the four infantry regiments of the 11th Parachute Brigade and part o ...
* 10th Parachute Division (France)
* 25th Parachute Division (France)
The 25th Parachute Division (French: 25e Division Parachutiste, 25e D.P) was an airborne division of the French Army, part of the French Airborne Units. Consisting mainly of air infantry specialized in airborne combat, air assault and establis ...
* 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment
The 1st Parachute Hussar Regiment (french: 1er Régiment de Hussards Parachutistes, 1er RHP) is an airborne cavalry unit in the French Army, founded in 1720 by Hungarian noble Ladislas Ignace de Bercheny. It is stationed in Tarbes and is a p ...
Notes
External links
Official site
*
French Minister of Defense delegate Secretary of Old Combatants and Memories Kader Arif visits President of Lebanon
The President of the Lebanese Republic ( ar, رئيس الجمهورية اللبنانية, rayiys aljumhuriat allubnania; french: Président de la République Libanaise) is the head of state of Lebanon. The president is elected by the parliame ...
Michel Suleiman and the Commander-in-Chief of Lebanese Armed Forces
)
, founded = 1 August 1945
, current_form = 1991
, disbanded =
, branches = Lebanese Ground ForcesLebanese Air ForceLebanese Navy
, headquarters = Yarze, Lebanon
, flying_hours =
, website ...
Jean Kahwaji in a hommage ceremonie to pay tribute to the victims of Drakkar on 23 October 2013; while Lebanon was celebrating its 70th Independence Anniversary; assuring the President of Lebanon "France remains and hopes to remain a lead partner for Lebanon in the mobilization of the international community to ensure political stability"
History of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment, 9th Parachute Chasseur Regiment, 14th Parachute Chasseur Regiment and 18th Parachute Chasseur Regiment
{{DEFAULTSORT:Parachute Chasseur Regiment, 1st
Parachute infantry regiments of France
Military units and formations established in 1943
20th-century regiments of France
21st-century regiments of France