1st Colonial Infantry Division (France)
The 1st Colonial Infantry Division was a French Army formation prior to World War I and during World War II.
Before World War I
Prior to the start of World War I, the division was composed of:- 5th Colonial Infantry Regiment
- 6th Colonial Infantry Regiment
- 21st Colonial Infantry Regiment
- 23rd Colonial Infantry Regiment
1927 - 1940
On 1 November 1927, the 1st Senegalese Colonial Infantry Division was recreated by transformation of the 35th infantry division. It was stationed in Bordeaux, and later renamed 1st Colonial Infantry Division.It was an active division which existed during peacetime. The Senegalese Tirailleurs Regiments contained troops from French West Africa. The Colonial Infantry and Artillery Regiments were made up of French troops who had volunteered to serve overseas if needed.
During the Battle of France in May 1940 the division was made up of the following units:
- 3rd Colonial Infantry Regiment
- 12th Senegalese Tirailleurs Regiment
- 14th Senegalese Tirailleurs Regiment
- 71st Reconnaissance Battalion
- 1st Colonial Divisionary Artillery Regiment
- 201st Colonial Artillery Regiment