87th African Infantry Division
WW2 formation of the French Army / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 87th African Infantry Division (French: 87e division d'infanterie d'Afrique, 87e DIA) was a formation of the French Army in the Second World War. It was formed in French Algeria on 2 September 1939, the day after the start of the war. The division was transferred to Metropolitan France by the end of the year. The 87th African Infantry Division deployed to the Sarre front as part of the 24th Corps of the 7th Army. The 87th African Infantry Division defended the Ailette Canal during the Battle of the Ailette [fr] before withdrawing southwards. It remained in good order and fought until the armistice of 22 June 1940, after which it was withdrawn to North Africa where it disbanded.
Quick Facts Active, Country ...
87th African Infantry Division | |
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Active | 2 September 1939 – Summer 1940 |
Country | France |
Branch | French Army |
Type | Colonial troops |
Role | Infantry |
Size | Division of 3 infantry and 2 artillery Regiments |
Part of | 24th Corps, 7th Army |
Engagements | Battle of France (1940) |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Henry Martin |
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