Commandos d’Afrique

Organisational History

On December 12^th, 1942, the Corps Franc d’Afrique is formed. After the disbandment of the Corps Franc d’Afrique, the Groupement de Commandos d’Afrique, is established on July 26^th, 1943. This specialised unit, composed of veterans from the Corps Franc d’Afrique, volunteers from North African troops, escapees from France, and indigenous riflemen from Algeria and Morocco, demonstrates a diverse and robust capability.

The Commandos d’Afrique, initially stationed in Algeria, undergoes rigorous training before relocating to Corsica in December 1943. In January 1944, they continue their training in Bastia, Saint-Florent, and Ajaccio, with a recruitment and instruction element established in Zéralda, Algeria.

The unit’s first significant operation is a raid against Pianosa Island in February 1944, which, despite an initial failure, ultimately succeeds in March. A subsequent operation along the Italian coast in March faces setbacks.

From June 17^th, 1944, to June 20^th, 1944, the commandos participate in the liberation of Elba Island. After this, they return to Corsica and move to Civitta Vecchia, Italy, in July for specialized training for the Provence landings. They contribute significantly to Operation Dragoon in August 1944, landing at Rayol-Canadel and Cap Nègre and engaging in a series of actions, including the liberation of Lavandou and the capture of the Mauvannes battery and Fort du Coudon, culminating in their entry into Toulon.

In August 1944, the unit’s structure includes a Commando de Commandement (Command Commando) of command under Captain Aquilina, with three Choc Commandos each with 206 men (5 officers, twenty-nine non-commissioned officers, and 172 commandos), and an accompanying commando, leading to a total theoretical strength of 1,061 personnel. The 1^er Choc Commando comprises Europeans led by Captain Ducournau, the 2^e Choc Commando consists of Moroccans under Captain Thorel (later succeeded by Métivier after Thorel’s death on August 17^th, 1944), and the 3^e Choc Commando includes Algerians commanded by Captain Bonnard. Additionally, there’s a Commando d’Accompagnement (Supply Commando) under Captain Farret.

Post-Operation Dragoon, the commandos are stationed in Marseille from September to October 1944. A second battalion is formed, incorporating the Forces Françaises de l’Intérieur, F.F.I. from the Commandos de Provence group. The unit then moves to the Jura region.

In November 1944, they engage in combat for Belfort, fighting in Chagey, Chalonvillars, Cravanche, Belfort, Valdoie, and Offemont. December sees them stationed in Giromagny.

On January 5^th, 1945, several units are reorganised into six Bataillons de Choc. The original Bataillon de Choc becomes the 1^er Bataillon de Choc, 1^er Choc. The Janson de Sailly Batallion is reformed as the 2^e Bataillon de Choc, 2^e Choc. The Commandos de France are transformed into the 3^e Bataillon de Choc, 3^e Choc. The Commandos de Cluny establish the 4^e Bataillon de Choc, 4^e Choc. The Groupement de Commandos d’Afrique is reorganised into the 5^e Bataillon de Choc, 5^e Choc under Commander Ducournau, while the Groupement de Commandos de Provence and the Commandos de Paris/Bataillon Désiré become the 6^e Bataillon de Choc, 6e Choc.

On 18^th January 1945, these six Bataillons de Choc form three Groupements de Commandos de Choc, each comprising two Bataillons.

• The 1^er Groupement de Commandos de Choc, led by Lieutenant Colonel Gambiez, includes the 1^er and 3^e Bataillon de Choc.
• The 2^e Groupement de Commandos de Choc, under Commander Quinche, consists of the 2^e and 4^e Bataillon de Choc.
• The 3^e Groupement de Commandos de Choc, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Bouvet, encompasses the 5^e and 6^e Bataillon de Choc.

On March 17^th-18^th, 1945, the unit crosses the Rhine. In a daring overnight operation, they cross the formidable river, securing crucial positions that facilitate the subsequent Allied push into Germany. From here they advance to the Danube in Baden-Württemberg. after which they are part of the campaign through the challenging terrain of the Black Forest. This highlights the adaptability and endurance of the unit. Their ability to navigate and fight in such difficult conditions exemplifies their elite status and plays a crucial role in the final stages of the conflict in Europe.

On September 6^th, 1945, Commander Ducournau takes command of the 3^e Groupement de Commandos de Choc, leading to its eventual dissolution on November 1^st, 1945.

The three Groupements de Commandos are reformed to the three Bataillons of the 1^er Régiment d’Infanterie de Choc Aéroporté, 1^er RICAP.

• 1^er bataillon: consisting of the 1^er Bataillon de Choc and 2^e Bataillon de Choc.
• 2^e bataillon: consisting of the 5^e Bataillon de Choc and 6^e Bataillon de Choc.
• 3^e bataillon: consisting of the 3^e Bataillon de Choc and 4^e Bataillon de Choc.

Throughout the conflict, the Groupement de Commandos d’Afrique suffers significant losses, with an estimated 300 killed in combat and around 60 missing. Their story reflects the diverse composition and the critical role they played in key military operations.