Country France Type Mountain Infantry | Branch French Army Size 1,100 men and women | |
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Active 30 January 1871-present Part of 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade | ||
The 27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins (27e BCA) is a Chasseurs alpins battalion of the French Army. It is a heavily decorated unit, whose members wear the fourragère of the Legion of Honour.
Contents
Organisation
The 27e BCA operated under the 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade, which specialises in combat in extreme conditions, both in mountain and urban zones.
The 27e BCA comprises
History
The 27e BCA was created after the Franco-Prussian War. It distinguished itself during the First World War, earning 9 mentions in despatches and the fourragère of the Legion of Honour.
During the Second World War, it notably took part in the Battles of Narvik. After it was disbanded after Case Anton, some of its elements trained the Maquis des Glières; in subsequent combat against SS units the Battalion gained the motto of Vivre libre ou mourir ("live as free men, or die").
It took part in the Algerian War, in Kabily, until 1962.
Recently, the 27e BCA has been engaged in Afghanistan, notably taking part in the Battle of Alasay.