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1914 –
First Battle of the Marne The First Battle of the Marne was a battle of the First World War fought from 5 to 12 September 1914. It was fought in a collection of skirmishes around the Marne River Valley. It resulted in an Entente victory against the German armies in the ...
(''Bataille des Marais de Saint-Gond'')
(french: Bataille des Marais de Saint-Gond)
1915 – Bataille de l'Artois
1915 – 2e Bataille de Champagne
1916 – Bataille de la Somme
1917 – Bataille des monts de Champagne
1917 – Bataille de Verdun
1918 – Bataille de l'Aisne
1918 – Offensive des Cent-Jours
( Bataille de Vauxaillon)
(french: Bataille de Vauxaillon) , notable_commanders= , anniversaries= , identification_symbol= ''Division de Marche du Maroc'' (D.M du Maroc) , identification_symbol_label= Marching Division of Morocco , identification_symbol_2= ''Division Marocaine''
''1re Division Marocaine
''(D.M, 1re D.M)'' , identification_symbol_2_label= 1st Moroccan Division The Moroccan Division (french: Division marocaine, 1re D.M) or the 1st Moroccan Division of 1914, initially the Marching Division of Morocco (french: « Division de Marche du Maroc »D.M du Maroc) was an
infantry Infantry is a military specialization which engages in ground combat on foot. Infantry generally consists of light infantry, mountain infantry, motorized infantry & mechanized infantry, airborne infantry, air assault infantry, and mar ...
division of France's Army of Africa (french: Armée d'Afrique) which participated in
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
. During the major engagements of the Division, the composition of the latter consisted of, half of Maghrebi soldiers (Algerian and Tunisian Tirailleurs) and the other half made of "European" soldiers ( Marsouins ex- Infantry Colonial Troops, Zouaves and
Legionnaires The French Foreign Legion (french: Légion étrangère) is a corps of the French Army which comprises several specialties: infantry, cavalry, engineers, airborne troops. It was created in 1831 to allow foreign nationals into the French Army. It ...
), the Moroccan Division illustrated capability in the
First Battle of the Marne The First Battle of the Marne was a battle of the First World War fought from 5 to 12 September 1914. It was fought in a collection of skirmishes around the Marne River Valley. It resulted in an Entente victory against the German armies in the ...
in September and the Second Battle of Artois of May 1915 where for the first time, a French division pierced the front. The Moroccan Division was one of the most decorated units of the
French Army History Early history The first permanent army, paid with regular wages, instead of feudal levies, was established under Charles VII of France, Charles VII in the 1420 to 1430s. The Kings of France needed reliable troops during and after the ...
and all its regiments were cited at the orders of the armed forces at the end of the conflict. The Moroccan Division was the only division of all French regimental colours to be decorated with the
légion d’honneur The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon B ...
throughout the course of
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
. The four principal units which composed formation of the Moroccan Division between 1914 and 1918 were the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion RMLE, the 4th Marching Tirailleurs Regiment 4e RTT, the 7th Marching Tirailleurs Regiment 7e RTA and 8th Marching Zouaves Regiment 8e RZ, all awarded the French fourragere with colours of the légion d’honneur at the end of the conflict.


Creation and different nominations

On the eve of mobilisation on August 2, 1914, the troops which were at the disposition of the
French Army History Early history The first permanent army, paid with regular wages, instead of feudal levies, was established under Charles VII of France, Charles VII in the 1420 to 1430s. The Kings of France needed reliable troops during and after the ...
in
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 to A ...
constituted: * 1st Colonial Infantry Battalion (french: 1er Bataillon d'Infanterie Colonial, 1er B.I.C. du Maroc) of Morocco at Fez * 6 Mixed Colonial Infantry Regiments of Morocco composed each of 1 colonial battalion (french: « marsouins ») and 2 Senegalese Tirailleurs (french: « Tirailleurs Sénégalais ») at Rabat, La-Chaouïa, Meknés, Fez et Marrakech. * 2 Mixed Artillery Colonial Groups (one group of 3 (french: « Batteries Montées de 75 de Campagne ») and the other of 4 (french: « Batteries de 65 de Montagne »)) * 6 companies of Senegalese scouts * 13 battalions of Algerian Tirailleurs * 9 battalions of Tunisian Tirailleurs * 9 battalions of Zouaves * 5 battalions of Moroccan Trailleurs * 1 squadron of Senegalese Spahi While at disposition, these part forces were made immediately available to
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 ...
Hubert Lyautey who created since mobilisation in Morocco, the Marching Division of Morocco (french: « Division de Marche du Maroc » ) (future ''Moroccan Division'', « Division Marocaine » ), with mainly 3 battalions (6th, 7th, 9th Colonial Infantry Battalions of Morocco) regrouped at Bled-el-Makhzen which formed the Colonial Infantry Marching Regiment of Morocco ( future « R.I.C.M » in 1956) of the 1st Marching Brigade of Morocco (french: « 1re Brigade de Marche du Maroc ») belonging to this division. Under orders of Général Georges Humbert, the units constituting the Marching Division of the Morocco (french: « Division de Marche du Maroc » ) were regrouped at Bordeaux and positioned themselves in the region of Tournes (French Ardennes) on August 18, and that to join the Colonial Army Troop Corps (french: « Corps d’Armée des Troupes Coloniales ») of the IVth Army (french: « 4e Armée Française ») in the battle of (french: « Bataille des frontières »). On August 20, 1914, the Marching Division of Morocco (french: « Division de Marche du Maroc ») was renamed the Moroccan Division (french: « Division du Maroc ») (another Moroccan Division « 2e Division du Maroc » was enacted on August 4, 1918) formed by principle of two Marching brigades of Morocco (french: « Brigade de Marche du Maroc »). The Colonial Infantry Marching Regiment of Morocco (french: « Régiment de Marche d’Infanterie Colonial du Maroc ») was subsequently designated as 1st Colonial Infantry Marching Regiment of Morocco (french: « 1er Régiment de Marche d’Infanterie Colonial du Maroc » ) with regimental commander Lieutenant-Colonel Pernot leading 3 battalions: * 6th Battalion of Commandant Vincent – the 7th Battalion of Commandant Coup – and 9th Battalion of Commandant Garrely. The regiment was attached to the 1st Marching Brigade of Morocco (french: « 1re Brigade de Marche du Maroc ») 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 ...
Blondlat, along with the 1st Zouaves Regiment (french: « 1er Régiment de Zouaves ») of Lieutenant-Colonel Leveque leading also 3 battalions of Commandants Lagure, Randier and Burkart. The 2nd Marching Brigade of Morocco (french: « 2e Brigade de Marche du Maroc ») of Colonel Cros regrouped: * 1 Regiment of Moroccan Tirailleurs constituted of 3 battalions formed based on Tirailleurs Regiments of Occidental Morocco. ** (1st Battalion of 5th Tirailleurs of Commandant Britsch - 4th Battalion of 7th Tirailleurs of Commandant De-Ligny - and the 5th Battalion of 4th Tirailleurs of Commandant Tisseye). * 1 Mixed Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Fellert, constituted of 3 battalions formed based on Tirailleurs Regiments of Oriental Morocco. ** (1st Battalion of 2nd Tirailleurs of Commandant Mignerot - 4th Battalion of 2nd Tirailleurs of Commandant Sauvageot - and the 3rd Battalion of 6th Tirailleurs of Commandant Clerc), one of the battalions, also formed based on the 2nd Zouaves Regiment (french: « 2e Régiment de Zouaves ») (3rd Battalion of Commandant Modelon). The 1st Moroccan Division (french: « 1re Division du Maroc ») was supported by: * 1
Artillery Artillery is a class of heavy military ranged weapons that launch munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Early artillery development focused on the ability to breach defensive walls and fortifications during si ...
unit commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Ducros compromised on one marching group under the orders of Commandant Turpin (1st and 2nd batteries of the 4th artillery group of African campaigns as well as the 2nd battery of the 8th artillery group of African campaigns – (french: 1re et 2e Batteries du 4e Groupe d'Artillerie de campagne d'Afrique ainsi que la 2e Batterie du 8e Groupe d'Artillerie de Campagne d'Afrique)) and one group of 2 artillery batteries of the 3rd Colonial Artillery Regiment 3e RAC (french: « 3e Régiment d’Artillerie Coloniale », 3e R.A.C) under the orders of Commandant Martin. * 1 Engineering Divisionary Company of (french: Génie) of Morocco under the orders of Captain Quinson. During the battle of Bataille des Ardennes on August 23, 1914, the 1st Moroccan Division (french: « 1re Division du Maroc ») was integrated in the 9th Army Corps (french: « 9e Corps d’Armée ») of the IVth Army (french: « IVe Armée ») under the orders of général Dubois. This army corps had for mission to cover the unfolding of the later while maintaining positions on the designated line Signy-l'Abbaye / La-Fosse-à-l'Eau, on which this corps had to counter a massive advancement.


World War I


Order of Battle

* 1st Moroccan Brigade Formation ** 2nd Mixed Colonial Regiment (french: 2e Régiment Mixte Colonial) – 3 battalions from August till October 1, 1914. ** Marching Zouaves Regiment (french: Régiment de Marche de Zouaves) – 3 battalions from August till October 1, 1914. ** 4th Marching Tirailleurs Regiment (french: 4e Régiment de Marche de Tirailleurs, 4e R.M.T) hailing from the French 38th Infantry Division (french: 38e Division d'Infanterie) – October 1, 1914 till June 30, 1918 (rejoined the 2nd Moroccan Division (french: 2e Division Marocaine, 2e DM)). **
2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment The 2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment, (french: 2e régiment de marche du 1er étranger, 2e R.M. 1er R.E) was a French military unit of the Legion which formed the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (R.M.L.E) and existed ephe ...
(french: 2e Régiment de Marche du 1er Régiment Etranger, 2eR.M.1erR.E) – October 17, 1914 to November 11, 1915. ** 2nd Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment (french: 2e Régiment de Marche du 2e Régiment Etranger, 2eR.M.2eR.E) – July 10 to November 11, 1915. ** Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (french: Régiment de Marche de la Légion Etrangère, R.M.L.E), by merger of the two foreign regiments – November 11, 1915 to November 11, 1918. ** 12e Bataillon de Tirailleurs malgaches – July 7 till November 11, 1918. ** Russian Legion Battalion (french: Le Bataillon de La Légion Russe, B.L.R) / Honorary Russian Legion (french: La Légion d’Honneur Russe, L.H.R) – beginning of 1918 till November 11, 1918. * 2nd Moroccan Brigade Formation ** 1st Mixed Zouaves and Trailleurs Regiment (french: 1er Régiment Mixte de Zouaves et de Tirailleurs, 1er R.M.Z.T) until September 5, 1914; Zouave by designation, no Zouave Battalion was ever found in the 1st Mixed Zouaves and Tirailleurs Regiment. ** 2nd Mixed Zouaves and Trailleurs Regiment (french: 2e Régiment Mixte de Zouaves et de Tirailleurs, 2e R.M.Z.T) until September 5, 1914. ** Marching Tirailleurs Regiment of Occidental Morocco (french: Régiment de Marche de Tirailleurs du Maroc Occidental) – 3 battalions from September 5 till October 1, 1914. ** 1st Battalion of 5th Algerian Tirailleurs (french: 1er Bataillon du 5e Tirailleurs Algériens). ** 4th Battalion of 7th Algerian Tirailleurs (french: 4e Bataillon du 7e Tirailleurs Algériens). ** 5th Battalion of 4th Tunisian Tirailleurs (french: 5e Bataillon du 4e Tirailleurs tunisiens). ** Marching Tirailleurs Regiment of Oriental Morocco (french: Régiment de Marche de Tirailleurs du Maroc Oriental) – 4 battalions from September 5 till October 1, 1914. ** 1st Battalion of the 2nd Algerian Tirailleurs (french: 1er Bataillon du 2e Tirailleurs Algériens). ** 4th Battalion of the 2nd Algerian Tirailleurs (french: 4e Bataillon du 2e Tirailleurs Algériens). ** 3rd Battalion of the 6th Algerian Tirailleurs (french: 3e Bataillon du 6e Tirailleurs Algériens). ** 3rd Battalion of 2nd Zouaves (french: 3e Bataillon du 2e Zouaves). ** 7th Marching Tirailleurs Regiment (french: 7e Régiment de Marche de Tirailleurs, 7eR.M.T), formed by merger of the Marching Tirailleurs Regiment of Occidental Morocco (french: Régiment de Marche de Tirailleurs du Maroc Occidental) and Marching Tirailleurs Regiment of Oriental Morocco (french: Régiment de Marche de Tirailleurs du Maroc Oriental) – October 1, 1914 till November 11, 1918. ** 8th Marching Zouaves Regiment (french: 8e Régiment de Marche de Zouaves, 8eR.M.Z) by changing designation of 8th Marching Zouave Regiment – October 1914 till November 11, 1918.


Composition formations


August–September 1914

* ''1st Moroccan Brigade – 1914'' ** Colonial Marching Regiment ** Marching Zouave Regiment * ''2nd Moroccan Brigade – 1914'' ** Marching Tirailleurs Regiment of Oriental Morocco ** Marching Tirailleurs Regiment of Occidental Morocco


October 1914 – June 1918

* ''1st Moroccan Brigade (1914–1918)'' ** Régiment de Marche de la Légion Étrangère, by merger of the
2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment The 2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment, (french: 2e régiment de marche du 1er étranger, 2e R.M. 1er R.E) was a French military unit of the Legion which formed the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (R.M.L.E) and existed ephe ...
(french: 2e Régiment de Marche du 1er Régiment Etranger) with the 2nd Marching Regiment of the 2nd Foreign Regiment (french: 2e Régiment de Marche du 2e Régiment Etranger) on November 11, 1915. ** 4th Marching Tirailleurs Regiment, hailing from the French 38th Infantry Division. * ''2nd Moroccan Brigade – (1914–1918)'' ** 7th Algerian Tirailleurs Regiment/Marching Tirailleurs Regiment, formed by merger of the Tirailluers Marching Regiments of Morocco. ** 8th Zouave Regiment/ Marching Zouave Regiment, by name change designation of 8th Marching Zouave Regiment.


July–November 1918

* ''1st Moroccan Brigade (1918)'' ** Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion, R.M.L.E (french: Régiment de Marche de la Légion Étrangère) ** Russian Legion Battalion (french: Le Bataillon de La Légion Russe, B.L.R) / Honorary Russian Legion (french: La Légion d’Honneur Russe, L.H.R), from the beginning of 1918 to November 1918. ** 12th Malagasy Tirailleurs Battalion * ''2nd Moroccan Brigade (1918)'' ** 7th Algerian Tirailleurs Regiment/Marching Tirailleurs Regiment ** 8th Zouave Regiment/ Marching Zouave Regiment


Engagements

Mobilized in
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 to A ...
:


1914

* August 6–18: Constitution, then embarked, transported and disembarked at
Bordeaux Bordeaux ( , ; Gascon oc, Bordèu ; eu, Bordele; it, Bordò; es, Burdeos) is a port city on the river Garonne in the Gironde department, Southwestern France. It is the capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, as well as the prefectu ...
and
Sète Sète (; oc, Seta, ), also historically spelt ''Cette'' (official until 1928) and ''Sette'', is a commune in the Hérault department, in the region of Occitania, southern France. Its inhabitants are called ''Sétois'' (male) and ''Sétoises ...
. * August 18–23: transported by V.F west of
Charleville-Mézières or ''Carolomacérienne'' , image flag=Flag of Charleville Mezieres.svg Charleville-Mézières () is a commune of northern France, capital of the Ardennes department, Grand Est. Charleville-Mézières is located on the banks of the river Meuse. ...
in the department of
Ardennes The Ardennes (french: Ardenne ; nl, Ardennen ; german: Ardennen; wa, Årdene ; lb, Ardennen ), also known as the Ardennes Forest or Forest of Ardennes, is a region of extensive forests, rough terrain, rolling hills and ridges primarily in Be ...
. * August 23 – 6 September: movement by Mézières towards the north-east, then unfolded by Mézières and Witry-lès-Reims, towards the region of
Fère-Champenoise Fère-Champenoise () is a commune in the Marne department in north-eastern France. It was the site of the Battle of Fère-Champenoise The Battle of Fère-Champenoise (25 March 1814) was fought between two Imperial French corps led by Mar ...
. :: August 28: combat of Dommery and Battle of la Fosse-à-l'Eau (Meuse Battle). :: August 30: combat at Bertoncourt. :: September 1: combat of Neuflize and Alincourt. * September 6–14: engaged in the
first Battle of the Marne The First Battle of the Marne was a battle of the First World War fought from 5 to 12 September 1914. It was fought in a collection of skirmishes around the Marne River Valley. It resulted in an Entente victory against the German armies in the ...
: from September 6 to 10, Battle of Marais de Saint-Gond. Combat around the castle de Mondement-Montgivroux. Since September 10, pursuit by
Tours-sur-Marne Tours-sur-Marne (, literally ''Tours on Marne'') is a commune in the Marne department in north-eastern France. Champagne The village's vineyards are located in the Vallée de la Marne subregion of Champagne, and are classified as Grand Cru (100 ...
and de
Beaumont-sur-Vesle Beaumont-sur-Vesle (, literally ''Beaumont on Vesle'') is a commune in the Marne department in northeastern France. Population Champagne The village's vineyards are located in the Montagne de Reims subregion of Champagne, and are classified as ...
until Prunay and the ferme des Marquises. * September 14 – April 23, 1915: combat in the region ( Bataille de l'Aisne (1914)), the stabilisation and occupation of a sector towards the ferme des Marquises and the north of Sillery, extended left on October 7 until the Fort de la Pompelle (Battle of Mines). :: September 23–28: participation to the French attacks in direction of Berru. :: October 12, 13 – December 22: local attack. :: October 22: combat in the forest by the Zouaves. :: October 26, 1914 – February 8, 1915: the 2nd Brigade was transferred to the north. Engaged November 11 in the first Battle of Ypres, lifting of the bois triangulaire (north of Ypres and the Grand Dune (Nieuport-Bain)).


1915

* April 23–27: retrieved from the front, starting April 25, transport by V.F to the region of
Épernay Épernay () is a commune in the Marne department of northern France, 130 km north-east of Paris on the mainline railway to Strasbourg. The town sits on the left bank of the Marne at the extremity of the Cubry valley which crosses it. Ép ...
, in
Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise (, literally ''Saint-Pol on Ternoise''; vls, Sint-Pols-aan-de-Ternas) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France. It is the seat of the canton of Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise. The population of the town is ...
. * April 27–29: movement towards the region
Aubigny-en-Artois Aubigny-en-Artois (, literally ''Aubigny in Artois'') is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in northern France. Geography A town located 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Arras at the junction of the D73, D74, D75 and D49 roads, just by t ...
, then since April 29, occupation of a sector towards the farm de Berthonval and Targette. * May 9–12: engaged in the seconde bataille de l'Artois, attack on cote 140. * May 12–26: retrieved from the front. Rest towards Mont-Saint-Éloi, then Tincques. * May 26 – June 24: movement towards the front and occupation of a sector towards cote 123 of the wooden forest of
Carency Carency () is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France. Geography A farming village located 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Arras on the D58 road. Carency is also the name of the brook which constitutes ...
, reduced to the left, on June 3 made way the red cabaret. :: June 16–22: French attacks in direction of
Givenchy-en-Gohelle Givenchy-en-Gohelle (; pcd, Givinchy-in-Gohelle) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France. It is located north of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial dedicated to the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the miss ...
. * June 24 – September 14: retrieved from the front and rested towards
Wail WAIL (99.5 FM) is a radio station broadcasting a classic rock format. Licensed to Key West, Florida, United States, the station serves the Florida Keys area. The station is currently owned by Robert Holladay, through licensee Florida Keys Media ...
. As of July 4, transported by V.F. in to the region of
Montbéliard Montbéliard (; traditional ) is a town in the Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region in eastern France, about from the border with Switzerland. It is one of the two subprefectures of the department. History Montbéliard is ...
, since July 15, movement towards Giromagny; instruction and pause. * September 14 – October 18: transported by V.F. into the region of Lure, in Suippes. As of September 25, engaged towards the wooden forest of Sabot in the seconde bataille de Champagne. :: September 25–28: attack towards Trou Bricot and the butte of Souain-Perthes-lès-Hurlus. As of September 30, movement of rocade and occupation of a sector south-east of Sainte-Marie-à-Py. * October 18 – December 21: retrieved from the front towards Cuperly. As of October 20, transported by V.F. from the region of Cuperly to
Pont-Sainte-Maxence Pont-Sainte-Maxence () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France, in the region of Hauts-de-France. It is named after Saint Maxentia of Beauvais, whose relics were taken here. Pont-Sainte-Maxence station has rail connections to Sai ...
; instruction and pause. * December 21, 1915 – January 16, 1916: movement towards Cœuvres-et-Valsery, instruction.


1916

* January 16 – February 24: movement towards
Crépy-en-Valois Crépy-en-Valois (, literally ''Crépy in Valois'') is a commune located in the Oise department in northern France. It is located in the Paris Metropolitan Area, northeast of the center of Paris. History Crépy-en-Valois was founded in the ten ...
; instruction. As of January 23, movement by stage towards the camp of
Crèvecœur-le-Grand Crèvecœur-le-Grand () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. See also * Communes of the Oise department The following is a list of the 679 communes of the Oise department of France. The communes cooperate in the following ...
; pause instruction. As of February 13, movement towards the region of Noyers-Saint-Martin; pause. * February 24 – June 19: movement towards Montdidier (Somme), occupation of a sector between l'Oise and Plessis-de-Roye. * June 19 – July 6: retrieved from the front. Transported by V.F. into the region of
Amiens Amiens (English: or ; ; pcd, Anmien, or ) is a city and commune in northern France, located north of Paris and south-west of Lille. It is the capital of the Somme department in the region of Hauts-de-France. In 2021, the population of ...
. In reserve at the beginning of the
Battle of the Somme The Battle of the Somme (French: Bataille de la Somme), also known as the Somme offensive, was a battle of the First World War fought by the armies of the British Empire and French Third Republic against the German Empire. It took place be ...
. * July 6–15: movement towards front, engaged in the Battle of Somme, towards Belloy-en-Santerre and east of Flaucourt :: July 7–13: French attack, south-east of Belloy-en-Santerre. * July 15–29: retrieved from the front. Transported by V.F. in the region of
Gournay-sur-Aronde Gournay-sur-Aronde () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. Gournay-sur-Aronde is best known for a Late Iron Age sanctuary that dates back to the 4th century BCE, and was burned and levelled at the end of the 1st century BCE. ...
. * July 29 – October 29: movement towards the front and occupation of a sector between Belval and la lisière south of the wooden forst of Loges. * October 29 – November 17: retrieved from the front. Pause towards
Estrées-Saint-Denis Estrées-Saint-Denis () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. Estrées-Saint-Denis station has rail connections to Amiens and Compiègne. It is one of many villages in the north of France bearing the name ''Estrées''. The et ...
. As of November 3, movement towards the camp de Crèvecœur; instruction. * November 17 – December 28: transported by truck into the region of Chuignolles. Occupation of a sector towards Belloy-en-Santerre and south of Barleux. * December 28, 1916 – January 25, 1917: retrieved from the front, movement towards the camp de Crèvecœur; instruction.


1917

* January 25 – February 8: movement towards the front; occupation of a sector towards Beuvraignes and south Armancourt, Somme. * February 8 – March 14: retrieved from the front. Element at work towards Montdidier, elements at pause towards Froissy and
Crèvecœur-le-Grand Crèvecœur-le-Grand () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. See also * Communes of the Oise department The following is a list of the 679 communes of the Oise department of France. The communes cooperate in the following ...
. * March 14–31: movement towards Montdidier, engaged within the second frontal line during
Operation Alberich Operation Alberich (german: Unternehmen Alberich) was the code name of a German military operation in France during the First World War. Two salients had been formed during the Battle of the Somme in 1916 between Arras and Saint-Quentin and ...
. * March 31 – April 26: transported by V.F. from Montdidier and Hargicourt towards
Saint-Hilaire-au-Temple Saint-Hilaire-au-Temple () is a commune in the Marne department Department may refer to: * Departmentalization, division of a larger organization into parts with specific responsibility Government and military *Department (administrative divisi ...
and Cuperly. As of April 3, occupation of a sector between Auberive-sur-Suippe and north of
Baconnes Baconnes () is a Communes of France, commune in the Marne (department), Marne Departments of France, department in northeastern France. Population See also *Communes of the Marne department References

Communes of Marne (department ...
. As of April 17, engaged in the bataille des Monts de Champagne, apprehending of Auberive-sur-Suippe. * April 26 – June 2: retrieved from the front, pause towards Châlons-en-Champagne. * June 2 – July 4: transported by truck towards Jonchery-sur-Vesle, then starting June 5, occupation of a sector between Miette (rivière) and Aisne. * July 4 – August 18: retrieved from the front. As of July 10, pause towards
Arcis-sur-Aube Arcis-sur-Aube (, literally ''Arcis on Aube'') is a commune in the Aube department in the Grand Est region of north-central France. The inhabitants of the commune are known as ''Arcisiens'' or ''Arcisiennes''. The commune has been awarded "th ...
. As of August 8, transported by truck into the region
Verdun Verdun (, , , ; official name before 1970 ''Verdun-sur-Meuse'') is a large city in the Meuse department in Grand Est, northeastern France. It is an arrondissement of the department. Verdun is the biggest city in Meuse, although the capital ...
; work. * August 18 – September 3: occupation of a sector toward Chattancourt and Meuse (fleuve). : engaged in the second Battle of Verdun 1917, apprehending of the wooden forest of Corbeaux. Accordingly, organisation of positions towards Meuse and west towards Forges-sur-Meuse * September 3 – October 3: retrieved from the front, transported by truck into the region of Vaucouleurs (Meuse), then starting September 8 at camp de Bois l'Évêque; pause and instruction. * October 3, 1917 – January 21, 1918: occupation of a sector between
Limey-Remenauville Limey-Remenauville is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France. History The origin of the name "Limey" is said to come from the Celtic word "lemos" meaning "elm ree. This particular tree was previously common in ...
and l'étang de Vargévaux. :: January 8, 1918: Local French action north of
Flirey Flirey () is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in north-eastern France. Birthplace of Rin Tin Tin Following advances made by American forces during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel, Corporal Lee Duncan, an aerial gunner of the U.S. Army A ...
towards the wooden forest of Montmare.


1918

* On January 21 – March 31: retrieved from the front, instruction towards Vaucouleurs and work. As of March 26, regroupment towards Vaucouleurs; pause and instruction. * March 31 – April 24: transported by V.F. north to
Beauvais Beauvais ( , ; pcd, Bieuvais) is a city and commune in northern France, and prefecture of the Oise département, in the Hauts-de-France region, north of Paris. The commune of Beauvais had a population of 56,020 , making it the most popul ...
; work and instruction towards Rumigny; then held ready to intervene towards
Sains-en-Amiénois Sains-en-Amiénois is a commune in the Somme department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Geography The commune is situated south of Amiens, on the D7 road. The population has increased two-fold in the last 30 years, as people of the regi ...
and Hangard. * April 24 – May 7: movement towards the front, participated to the action of supporting Australian and British troops during the Bataille de Villers-Bretonneux 1918, south of la bourgade and towards the wooden forest (bois) of Hangard. Organization and defensive mountings, in this region with a reduced left sector, on April 29, until the northern lisière of the wooden forest of Hangard. * May 7–28: retrieved from the front, transported by trucks towards Nanteuil-le-Haudouin; paused. * May 28 – June 4: transported by truck towards
Dommiers Dommiers () is a Communes of France, commune in the Aisne Departments of France, department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department References

Communes of Aisne Aisne communes ...
. Engaged in the
Third Battle of the Aisne The Third Battle of the Aisne (french: 3e Bataille de l'Aisne) was a battle of the German spring offensive during World War I that focused on capturing the Chemin des Dames Ridge before the American Expeditionary Forces arrived completely in ...
towards the Montagne de Paris,
Missy-aux-Bois Missy-aux-Bois () is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department The following is a list of the 799 communes in the French department of Aisne. The c ...
,
Chaudun Chaudun () is a commune in the department of Aisne in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department The following is a list of the 799 communes in the French department of Aisne. The commun ...
, combat and retrieved, then organisation again at the front. As of June 1, regroupment in the region of
Vivières Vivières () is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department The following is a list of the 799 communes in the French department of Aisne. The commun ...
,
Villers-Cotterêts Villers-Cotterêts () is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France, France. It is notable as the signing-place in 1539 of the '' Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts'' discontinuing the use of Latin in official French documents, and as t ...
. * June 4–20: movement towards the front and occupation of a sector towards
Ambleny Ambleny () is a commune in the department of Aisne in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Geography Ambleny is located 8 km west of Soissons and 20 km east of Compiègne. Route National N31 passes through the northern part ...
and
Aisne Aisne ( , ; ; pcd, Ainne) is a French department in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. It is named after the river Aisne. In 2019, it had a population of 531,345.Ambleny Ambleny () is a commune in the department of Aisne in the Hauts-de-France region of northern France. Geography Ambleny is located 8 km west of Soissons and 20 km east of Compiègne. Route National N31 passes through the northern part ...
and Fosse-en-Haut. :: June 12: counter-attacked. * June 20 – July 5: retrieved from the front and paused towards
Rethondes Rethondes () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. It is associated with the signing of the armistice of 11 November 1918, which ended World War I, although the actual location of the signing was on the other side of the Aisne ...
. * July 5–22: movement towards the front and occupation of a sector towards Fosse-en-Haut and Saint-Pierre-Aigle. As of July 18, engaged towards Laversine and Saint-Pierre-Aigle in the Battle of Soisonnais (part of Second Battle of the Marne), attack on Saint-Pierre-Aigle,
Dommiers Dommiers () is a Communes of France, commune in the Aisne Departments of France, department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department References

Communes of Aisne Aisne communes ...
and
Chaudun Chaudun () is a commune in the department of Aisne in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department The following is a list of the 799 communes in the French department of Aisne. The commun ...
. * July 22 – August 27: retrieved from the front; transported into the regions Breteuil and
Crèvecœur-le-Grand Crèvecœur-le-Grand () is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. See also * Communes of the Oise department The following is a list of the 679 communes of the Oise department of France. The communes cooperate in the following ...
; pause. * August 27 – September 17: transported by truck to the front, preparation of offensives. Took part in the frontal line pushing towards the Hindenburg Line. Apprehending of Terny-Sorny, September 5; progression towards
Vauxaillon Vauxaillon is a commune in the Aisne department in Hauts-de-France in northern France. Geography The river Ailette forms all of the commune's northern border. Population See also *Communes of the Aisne department The following is a l ...
, apprehending of positions of region of Allemant ( September 14–15, Battle of Vauxaillon ) * September 17 – October 13: retrieved from the front and paused toward Vic-sur-Aisne, then towards
Meaux Meaux () is a Communes of France, commune on the river Marne (river), Marne in the Seine-et-Marne Departments of France, department in the Île-de-France Regions of France, region in the Functional area (France), metropolitan area of Paris, Franc ...
. As of September 24, transported by V.F. to
Rosières-aux-Salines Rosières-aux-Salines () is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle ''département'' in north-eastern France. In the past, inhabitants of Rosières-aux-Salines were insultingly known by their neighbours as ''oua-oua'' (pronounced "wa-wa"), on accou ...
; paused. * October 13 – November 11: movement towards the front and occupation of a sector towards Brezange-la-Grande and
Brin-sur-Seille Brin-sur-Seille (, literally ''Brin on Seille'') is a commune in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in northeastern France. Population See also *Communes of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department The following is a list of the 591 communes of t ...
; offensive preparations. * November 17: Liberation of
Château-Salins Château-Salins (; , from 1941–44 ''Salzburgen'') is a commune in the Moselle department in Grand Est in north-eastern France. Until 2015, Château-Salins was a subprefecture of the Moselle department. History The town is relatively recent. ...
and
Moselle The Moselle ( , ; german: Mosel ; lb, Musel ) is a river that rises in the Vosges mountains and flows through north-eastern France and Luxembourg to western Germany. It is a left bank tributary of the Rhine, which it joins at Koblenz. A ...
.


Army attachments and Army Corps detachments

Most Armed/Army
Corps Corps (; plural ''corps'' ; from French , from the Latin "body") is a term used for several different kinds of organization. A military innovation by Napoleon I, the formation was first named as such in 1805. The size of a corps varies great ...
(french: Corps d'armée, C.A) (which are a formation of several divisions) are the subdivisions of an Army (french: Armée), which could also be the designation of an Air Army/Force (french: l'Armée de l'Air) or Naval Army/Force (french: l'Armée de Mer) contingent. However and throughout the courses of the
World In its most general sense, the term "world" refers to the totality of entities, to the whole of reality or to everything that is. The nature of the world has been conceptualized differently in different fields. Some conceptions see the worl ...
Wars,
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
centralized the vast majority of front
combat Combat (French for ''fight'') is a purposeful violent conflict meant to physically harm or kill the opposition. Combat may be armed (using weapons) or unarmed ( not using weapons). Combat is sometimes resorted to as a method of self-defense, or ...
theatre battles, led almost entirely by regiments of the
French Army History Early history The first permanent army, paid with regular wages, instead of feudal levies, was established under Charles VII of France, Charles VII in the 1420 to 1430s. The Kings of France needed reliable troops during and after the ...
(french: L'Armée de Terre), hence the designation of "Army" (France). During
World War I World War I (28 July 1914 11 November 1918), often abbreviated as WWI, was List of wars and anthropogenic disasters by death toll, one of the deadliest global conflicts in history. Belligerents included much of Europe, the Russian Empire, ...
, the Moroccan Division being organically assigned part of the French Army included the following land "Army" (french: Armée) attachments which included various Army Corps (french: Corps d'armée, C.A) detachments (including
Naval infantry Marines, or naval infantry, are typically a military force trained to operate in littoral zones in support of naval operations. Historically, tasks undertaken by marines have included helping maintain discipline and order aboard the ship (refl ...
and Air auxiliaries part of the various respective Army (french: Armée) and Army Corps (french: Corps d'Armée)): :: August 1914: isolated :: September 1914: combined corps Humbert, then 32nd Army Corps (France) (french: 32e Corps d'Armée 32e C.A.) which included
French Navy The French Navy (french: Marine nationale, lit=National Navy), informally , is the maritime arm of the French Armed Forces and one of the five military service branches of France. It is among the largest and most powerful naval forces in t ...
Fusiliers Marins of the
Brigade de Fusiliers Marins The Brigade des Fusiliers Marins was a unit of the French Navy which fought alongside the Belgian Armed Forces, Belgium Army in 1914-1915 and which held their ground until the last man standing in October 1914 at Diksmuide to halt the advance of ...
:: October 1914 – November 1918: isolated }) :: October 29 – November 3, 1916 :: January 5 – March 26, 1918 :: April 4 – May 7, 1918 :: 22–27 August 1918 * Second Army (France)/IInd Army (french: IIe Armée) ** 9th Army Corps :: January 23 – February 13, 1916 :: July 24 – September 3, 1917 * Third Army (France)/IIIrd Army (french: IIIe Armée) :: July 16 – October 29, 1916 :: January 11 – March 31, 1917 :: 7–12 May 1918 * Fourth Army (France)/IVth Army (french: IVe Armée) :: 21–29 August 1914 :: March 31 – June 2, 1917 :: September 15 – October 20, 1915 :: 7–24 July 1917 , valign=top , * Fifth Army (France)/Vth Army (french: Ve Armée) :: October 7, 1914 – April 26, 1915 :: June 2 – July 7, 1917 :: March 31 – April 4, 1918 :: 12–27 May 1918 * Sixth Army (France)/VIth Army (french: VIe Armée) :: October 20, 1915 – January 23, 1916 :: February 13 – April 12, 1916 :: June 20 – July 16, 1916 :: May 27 – June 2, 1918 * Seventh Army (France)/VIIth Army (french: VIIe Armée) :: July 4 – September 15, 1915 * Eighth Army (France)/VIIIth Army (french: VIIe Armée) :: September 3, 1917 – January 5, 1918 :: 26–31 March 1918 :: September 27 – November 10, 1918 , valign=top , * Ninth Army (France)/IXth Army (french: IXe Armée) ** 9th Army Corps :: September 5 – October 7, 1914 * Tenth Army (France)/Xth Army (french: Xe Armée) :: April 26 – July 4, 1915 :: April 12 – June 20, 1916 :: November 3, 1916 – January 3, 1917 :: June 2 – August 22, 1918 :: August 27 – September 27, 1918 :: 10–11 November 1918 * Army Detachment of Ferdinand Foch :: August 29 – September 5, 1914 * Interior :: August 2–21


Division Decorations

* Regimental Colors decorated with the
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, ...
** Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (26/09/1919) * Regimental Colors decorated with the
Légion d'honneur The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon ...
** Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (04/12/1917) ** 4th Marching Tirailleurs Regiment (05/07/1919) ** 7th Marching Tirailluers Regiment (05/07/1919) ** 8th Marching Zouaves Regiment (05/07/1919) * Fourragere bearing ruban colours of the
Légion d’honneur The National Order of the Legion of Honour (french: Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur), formerly the Royal Order of the Legion of Honour ('), is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. Established in 1802 by Napoleon B ...
and ruban of the Croix de Guerre 1914-1918 (at least 9 citations at the orders of the armed forces) (french: 9 citations à l'ordre de l'Armée) ** Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (9 citations) * Fourragere bearing ruban colours of the Légion d’honneur (6-8 citations at the orders of the armed forces) (french: 6-8 citations à l'ordre de l'Armée) **
8th Zouaves Regiment The 8th Zouaves Regiment (french: 8e Régiment de Zouaves , 8e R.Z) was an infantry unit of the French Army. Created in 1914, the unit was designated as 8th Marching Zouaves Regiment. Creation and different nominations * 1914 : 8th Marching Zoua ...
(7 citations) ** 4th Tunisian Tirailleurs Regiment (6 citations) ** 7th Algerian Tirailleurs Regiment (6 citations) * Fourragere bearing ruban colours of the Croix de guerre 1914-1918 (2-3 citations at the order of the armed forces) (french: 2-3 citations à l'ordre de l'Armée) ** :fr:12e bataillon de tirailleurs malgaches (3 citations) ** Russian Legion Battalion (french: Le Bataillon de La Légion Russe, B.L.R) / Honorary Russian Legion (french: La Légion d’Honneur Russe, L.H.R) (2 citations)


Moroccan Division Commanders


Division Commanders

* August 18 – October 8, 1914: Division Général
Humbert Humbert, Umbert or Humberto (Latinized ''Humbertus'') is a Germanic given name, from ''hun'' "warrior" and ''beraht'' "bright". It also came into use as a surname. Given name ;Royalty and Middle Ages * Emebert (died 710) * Humbert of Maroille ...
* October 8, 1914 – June 21, 1915: Division Général
Ernest Joseph Blondlat Ernest Joseph Blondlat (1862–1938) was a French Divisional General who participated in World War I. During the war, he was a commander of the 2nd Colonial Army Corps (France), 2nd Colonial Army Corps as well as the Moroccan Division (France), Mo ...
* June 21, 1915 – August 3, 1916: Division
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 ...
Codet * August 3, 1916 – September 1, 1917: Division Général Degoutte * September 1, 1917 – January 23, 1922: Général Albert Joseph Marie Daugan


Brigade Commanders

* 1st Moroccan Brigade ::
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 ...
Blondlat: August 18 – September 14, 1914. ::
Colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge ...
Mérienne-Lucas: September 14 – October 1914. :: Colonel Lavenir: October 5, 1914 – March 13, 1915. :: Colonel Pein: March 13 – May 9, 1915 ( killed in action) while also regimental commander in lead of
2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment The 2nd Marching Regiment of the 1st Foreign Regiment, (french: 2e régiment de marche du 1er étranger, 2e R.M. 1er R.E) was a French military unit of the Legion which formed the Marching Regiment of the Foreign Legion (R.M.L.E) and existed ephe ...
:: Colonel Delavau: May 14, 1915 – February 10, 1916. :: Colonel Demetz: February 10, 1916 – July 5, 1917. :: Colonel Eugène Mittelhauser: July 9, 1917 – April 27, 1918. :: Colonel Boucher: April 27, 1918. * 2nd Moroccan Brigade :: Colonel Cros: September 28, 1914 – May 10, 1915 ( killed). :: Colonel d'Anselme: May 14, 1915 – January 23, 1916. :: Colonel Pierre Girondon: January 25, 1916 – May 25, 1916 ( killed as général commandant of the French 12th Infantry Division (french: 12e division d'infanterie, 12e DI)) :: Colonel Schuhler: May 25, 1916 – July 17, 1918. :: Colonel Bertrand: July 20, 1918.


Memorial of Givenchy-en-Gohelle

A Monument was inaugurated in June 1925 at
Givenchy-en-Gohelle Givenchy-en-Gohelle (; pcd, Givinchy-in-Gohelle) is a commune in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region of France. It is located north of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial dedicated to the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the miss ...
on the plateau de Vimy, in front of the
Canadian National Vimy Memorial The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is a war memorial site in France dedicated to the memory of Canadian Expeditionary Force members killed during the First World War. It also serves as the place of commemoration for Canadian soldiers of the Fir ...
, and renders homage to the Moroccan Division and the hundreds of thousands of Foreign soldiers engaged for
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
during the War..


Moroccan Division - Gallery

File:Joseph Joffre.jpg, Generalissimo
Joseph Joffre in 1914. File:Jean Marie Degoutte.jpg, Division
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 Degoutte in 1918. File:Paul-Frédéric Rollet.jpg,
Colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge ...

Paul-Frédéric Rollet Paul-Frédéric Rollet (1875–1941) was a Général
in 1919. File:Ferdinand Foch by Melcy, 1921.png,
Marshal of France Marshal of France (french: Maréchal de France, plural ') is a French military distinction, rather than a military rank, that is awarded to generals for exceptional achievements. The title has been awarded since 1185, though briefly abolished ( ...

Ferdinand Foch Ferdinand Foch ( , ; 2 October 1851 – 20 March 1929) was a French general and military theorist who served as the Supreme Allied Commander during the First World War. An aggressive, even reckless commander at the First Marne, Flanders and Ar ...
in 1921.


See also

* Lafayette Escadrille * Escadron de Chasse 2/4 La Fayette * Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Gascogne *
Jean de Lattre de Tassigny Jean Joseph Marie Gabriel de Lattre de Tassigny (2 February 1889 – 11 January 1952) was a French général d'armée during World War II and the First Indochina War. He was posthumously elevated to the dignity of Marshal of France in 1952. As ...
* 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment * Régiment d'infanterie-chars de marine *
3rd Algerian Infantry Division The 3rd Algerian Infantry Division (french: 3e Division d'Infanterie Algérienne, 3e DIA) was an infantry division of the Army of Africa (french: Armée d'Afrique) which participated in World War II. Following the liberation of French North Afr ...
* List of submarines of France


References

{{Reflist


Bibliographies

* Jean-Louis Larcade, ''Zouaves et tirailleurs, les régiments de marche et les régiments mixtes : 1914-1918'', Argonautes, 2000 * Anthony Clayton, ''Histoire de l'Armée française en Afrique 1830-1962'', Albin Michel, 1994 * Pages de gloire de la Division marocaine, 1919 * AFGG, vol. 2, t. 10 : ''Ordres de bataille des grandes unités : divisions d'infanterie, divisions de cavalerie'', 1924, 1092 p. (lire en ligne). * (fr) Ministère des Armées, État-Major de l'Armée de Terre, Service Historique, Inventaire sommaire des archives de la Guerre 1914-1918, Imprimerie « La Renaissance »


External links


Moroccan Division, 1914-1918, Gallica




* ttp://pagesperso-orange.fr/memoiresdepierre/alphabetnew/g/givenchyengohellemarocain.html Monument aux morts de la division marocaine à Givenchy-en-Gohelle (62)
Le monument national de la Victoire de la Marne September 1914 Mondement - Marais de Saint-Gond
Infantry divisions of France Military units and formations established in 1914 French World War I divisions