french army

5 articles

Mar9

2019What is the first monument erected in honour of French soldiers who died while serving in external operations?

The city of Theix-Noyalo in Morbihan, Brittany, is home to the first monument in France dedicated to French soldiers who died during external operations (OPEX) since 1963. This landmark, inaugurated on 9 March 2019, offers a moving tribute to nearly 700 fallen service members by featuring a black marble stele inscribed "AUX SOLDATS FRANÇAIS MORTS POUR LA FRANCE EN OPÉRATIONS EXTÉRIEURES" beneath a stylized planisphere. Uniquely, the monument was financed solely by the Association nationale des Titulaires du Titre de Reconnaissance de la Nation (ANT-TRN) at a cost of €23,000 and stands near the town's memorials for the world wars. Its unveiling predates the national monument in Paris, making Theix-Noyalo the first city in France to honor OPEX soldiers with a dedicated monument on municipal grounds.

Feb21

1920What became of the other unknown soldiers that were considered for selection of a French 'Soldat Inconnu' in 1920?

In November 1920, eight unidentified soldiers from the Western Front were brought to Verdun to select the French 'Soldat Inconnu' for burial beneath the Arc de Triomphe in Paris—a powerful tribute to all those "Mort pour la France." While one was chosen to represent France's unknown dead, the seven remaining were reverently interred in the 'Section of the Seven Unknowns' (Carré des sept Inconnus) at Verdun’s Faubourg-Pavé cemetery. Their solemn procession through the city, attended by military, civil, and local communities, marked a unique act of national remembrance. Each grave is inscribed with "Soldat français inconnu mort pour la France," and since 2014, a Remembrance Flame burns there, honoring their sacrifice for generations to come.

Apr8

1915Which military decoration did France create during the Great War to recognize acts of bravery on the battlefield?

The French Croix de Guerre was created on 8 April 1915 to recognize acts of exceptional bravery during World War I, becoming France’s most iconic military decoration of the Great War. Born from a need to formally honor soldiers mentioned in despatches for gallant deeds, the award quickly became a symbol of heroism for both French and Allied troops. The medal’s distinctive green and red ribbon and array of stars and palms signified the scale and type of courage displayed, and by 1920, over 1.2 million Croix de Guerre had been awarded—including to military units, towns, and even the heroic carrier pigeon Cher Ami, who saved 194 lives in 1918. This enduring symbol of valor marks its 110th anniversary in 2025, a testament to the widespread sacrifice and spirit of the First World War.

Dec2

1805What monument was erected in Paris in honour of what is considered Napoléon's greatest military victory?

The Colonne Vendôme, standing proudly in the Place Vendôme of Paris, was erected in 1810 to honor Napoléon's monumental triumph at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. This iconic monument, inspired by Rome’s ancient Trajan Column, became a symbol of military glory, resilience, and changing eras in French history. Uniquely, its bronze bas-relief was cast from 1,200 captured enemy cannons, spiraling up the granite shaft to recount the dramatic victories and homecoming of the Grand Army. Today, more than 217 years since its completion, the restored column remains an enduring testament to Napoléon's legacy and France's evolving heritage.

Aug15

1769Was Napoleon Bonaparte born French and was he really short?

Napoleon Bonaparte, born in Ajaccio, Corsica in 1769, became one of Europe's most influential military leaders and Emperors. His rise from artillery officer to ruler of an empire affecting 70 million people reshaped the continent’s history and left a lasting legacy. While famously thought to be short, Napoleon was actually of average height for his time at 1.70 m (5 feet 7 inches)—a myth created in part because his Imperial Guard towered over him. The Church of La Madeleine, not his final resting place, became a unique site for anniversary tributes, boasting the only Parisian church mural to feature Napoleon himself in its grand cupola.