27e bataillon de chasseurs alpins
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.
27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpins | |
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Insigne of the battalion | |
Active | 30 January 1871-present |
Country | France |
Branch | French Army |
Type | Mountain Infantry |
Size | 1,100 men and women |
Part of | 27th Mountain Infantry Brigade |
Garrison/HQ | Cran-Gevrier, France |
Motto(s) | "vivre libre ou mourir" |
Engagements | World War I World War II Algerian War |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Colonel Morel |
Notable commanders | Jean Vallette d'Osia Yves Godard Nicolas Le Nen |
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
- 6 combat companies, including one reserve intervention unit
- Support Company
- Command and Logistics Company
- Administration and Support Unit
- Fanfare du 27e Bataillon de Chasseurs Alpin
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.
Commander
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