Active 1956–1961 Branch French army | Country France Engagements Algerian War | |
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Type French Parachute Division Anniversaries Saint Michael, September 29 | ||
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 established in 1956; the Parachute Division took principle part only in the Algerian War.
Contents
Creation and different designations
Constitution
On June 1, 1956, the 25th Parachute Division was created in the 5th military region from the 25e DIAP and from the Colonial Parachute Brigade. Accordingly, the Parachute Division included 5 Airborne Infantry Regiments, 2 Airborne Cavalry Regiments and one unit of Parachute Artillery:
35th Parachute Artillery Regiment (35e RAP)
During tenure, the Division witnissed changes amongst :
On December 1, 1958, the Colonial Parachute Regiments (CPR) underwent a designation renomination to the Marine Infantry Parachute Regiments (RPIMa) while conserving their number regimental designation.
Division Commanders
Battle of the Frontiers
Two of the five airborne infantry regiments of the division; mainly, the 8th Colonial Parachute Regiment and the 14th Parachute Chasseur Regiment; participated from January to May 1958 in the Battle of Frontiers. Accordingly, General Raoul Salan, superior commander in Algeria, delegated all five airborne infantry regiments to General Paul Vanuxem; commander of the zone est-constantinois (ZEC). The battle took place at both the Morice Line and Challe Line and lasted for about 5 months.
Traditions
Except for the Legionnaires of the 2e REP that conserve the Green Beret; the remainder of the French army metropolitan and marine paratroopers forming the 11th Parachute Brigade wear the Red Beret.
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 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.