The Commandos de France, later known as the 3e bataillon de choc, was a paratrooper unit of the French Army formed in May 1944 in Staoueli, Algeria. It was dissolved on October 1, 1945 to become the third battalion of the 1st Airborne Shock Infantry Regiment first RICAP within the 24th division.
May 1944: Creation of the "Group of Commandos de France" in French Algeria.
August 17, 1944: Landed in Saint-Tropez (Var, France). A "Special Detachment" performed intelligence and harassment missions, becoming the first French troops to engage German forces in Provence.[1]
January 1, 1945: Redesignated as the third shock battalion. Together with the Bataillon de Choc, it formed the first group.[2]
October 1, 1945: The third shock battalion was dissolved to form part of the first RICAP.
Historical context
The "Shock" units, established in 1943 in Algeria, specialized in guerrilla warfare, commando operations, and supporting the French Resistance. By 1945, these units were consolidated into three shock groupings, each with two battalions:
After a delayed deployment to France due to American resistance, a Special Detachment led by Henri d'Astier de La Vigerie clandestinely sailed to Saint-Tropez, participating in early engagements at Les Pennes-Mirabeau before joining the main unit.
During its operations, the unit suffered heavy casualties in battles such as:
Haut du Tôt (November 3, 1944): Heavy frontal assault in the Vosges.
Durrenentzen (January 31, 1945): A failed attack on a well-defended German position.
The unit later advanced into Germany, participating in battles across the Black Forest and capturing strategic locations like Karlsruhe and Pforzheim.
Casualties
By the end of the war:
Killed: 134 (including 25 officers)
Wounded: 293
Missing: 21
Insignia
The unit's insignia featured the Cross of Lorraine, symbolizing resistance and liberty.
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