Legioneers in Libya 9/16/40
Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 3:34 pm
September 16, 1940
Halfaya Libya
1600 Hours
I have been given command of 3 companys of French Legioneers. Some of the roughest and toughest men I have ever seen. But these are not the veterans of many battles in the desert. These are mostly all new recruits. Most have come from other French units that were disbanded after Paris fell. And I understand a lot have come from prisons around France that collapsed as the Germans entered our country. I was given command in May and have been working hard to bring tham into fighting shape.
We have been getting ready here just outside of Halfaya Libya for the past month. We have dug in and are awaiting the Italians to begin there push through us. Visability is very good up near 1050 yards. There is a slight haze hanging around over the hills but nothing to obstruct our view. Our gunners should have a clear view as the enemy approches our front lines in plenty of time to do alot of damage before they reach us.
I have done all I can to prepare these men I just hope it is enough. For a lot of them it is the first time they have ever fired a shot in anger at another man. Only time will tell how well our men will do and if they can handle the horrors of war.
Viva La Paree Viva La france
HQ:VII Legioneers
Col: Henri DuBois Commanding
Halfaya Libya
1600 Hours
I have been given command of 3 companys of French Legioneers. Some of the roughest and toughest men I have ever seen. But these are not the veterans of many battles in the desert. These are mostly all new recruits. Most have come from other French units that were disbanded after Paris fell. And I understand a lot have come from prisons around France that collapsed as the Germans entered our country. I was given command in May and have been working hard to bring tham into fighting shape.
We have been getting ready here just outside of Halfaya Libya for the past month. We have dug in and are awaiting the Italians to begin there push through us. Visability is very good up near 1050 yards. There is a slight haze hanging around over the hills but nothing to obstruct our view. Our gunners should have a clear view as the enemy approches our front lines in plenty of time to do alot of damage before they reach us.
I have done all I can to prepare these men I just hope it is enough. For a lot of them it is the first time they have ever fired a shot in anger at another man. Only time will tell how well our men will do and if they can handle the horrors of war.
Viva La Paree Viva La france
HQ:VII Legioneers
Col: Henri DuBois Commanding