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What was the role of the French Foreign Legion at Bir Hakeim in 1942?
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French Foreign Legion
Soldiers of the French Foreign Legion in a parade celebrating Bastille Day in Paris.
During the June 1942 Battle of Gazala, the 13th Demi-Brigade of the Foreign Legion played a critical role as part of the 1st Free French Brigade. The unit participated in the heroic defense of the desert position at Bir Hakeim in Libya, which was then held by forces incorporated into the British Eighth Army.1
This defense was later highlighted by Free French propaganda as a significant feat of arms during the conflict against Germany.1