3rd Colonial Infantry Division (France)


The 3rd Colonial Infantry Division was a division of the French Marine Forces, comprising mostly French citizen troops.
The 3rd Colonial Infantry Division fought in the First and Second world wars.

World War I

Composition

As part of the French 1st Colonial Corps, at various times it was part of the French First Army, French Second Army, French Third Army, French Fourth Army, French Fifth Army, French Sixth Army, French Seventh Army, French Eighth Army and French Tenth Army.

Engagements

1914: The division fought in the Battle of the Ardennes, the Battle of the Meuse, the First Battle of the Marne and the First Battle of Champagne. 1915: Many small engagements, plus the Second Battle of Champagne. 1916: The Battle of the Somme. 1917: The Second Battle of the Aisne, and many small engagements. 1918: The Third Battle of the Aisne, the 4th Battle of Champagne, the Second Battle of the Marne, and many minor engagements until the end of the war.

Organization in World War II

The structure of the division in World War II as of May 1940, commanded by Général Falvy, was considerably more detailed than standard operational overviews, including specific logistical and technical support units.
The division was initially rated as **Réserve A**.

Divisional and Attached Units

Chief of Staff, 3rd Colonial Infantry Division
  • * Infanterie
  • ** 21st Régiment d'Infanterie Coloniale
  • ** 23rd Régiment d'Infanterie Coloniale
  • ** 13th Compagnie de Pionniers, 1st Régiment d'Infanterie Coloniale
  • * Artillerie
  • ** 3rd Régiment d'Artillerie Coloniale
  • ** 203rd Régiment d'Artillerie Lourde Coloniale
  • ** 10th Batterie Anti-Chars, 3rd Régiment d'Artillerie Coloniale
  • * Reconnaissance
  • ** 73rd Groupement de Reconnaissance de Division d'Infanterie

Logistical and Technical Support (*Troupes de Soutien*)

The division included a dedicated logistical and engineering tail, with all units numbered 73:73rd Parc d'Artillerie
  • * 73rd Compagnie d'Artisans
  • * 73rd Section de Munitions Hippomobile Génie
  • * 73/1 Compagnie de Sapeurs-Mineurs
  • * 73/2 Compagnie de Sapeurs-Mineurs
  • * 73/81 Compagnie Télégraphique
  • * 73/82 Compagnie Radio Train
  • * 73/22 Compagnie de Transport Hippomobile
  • * 173/22 Compagnie de Transport Motorisé Support
  • * 73/22 Groupe d'Exploitation Divisionnaire
  • * 73rd Centre d'Instruction Divisionnaire

Attached Units (*Unités Attachées*)

  • 2/155th Régiment d'Infanterie de Forteresse
  • 3/, 4/155th Régiment d'Infanterie de Forteresse
  • 2/, 3/311th Régiment d'Artillerie

State of Readiness (May 1940)

Despite its full establishment, the 3e DIC faced significant readiness issues at the onset of the battle:
  • The division was 20% under strength on May 10, 1940.
  • It lacked supply trucks and transport/horse assets.
  • The 73/22 Compagnie de Transport Hippomobile had almost completely dissolved.
  • The division lacked a divisional anti-tank company, though its anti-tank formations were otherwise complete.