Arras - Moroccan Division Memorial

The Moroccan Division consisted of Marching Regiments which had been raised by the French at the start of the First World War, mainly from native North Africans in Algeria and Tunisia.

The French Foreign Legion was established in 1831 recruiting foreign nationals who were willing to serve in the French Army. Their main role was supporting the colonisation of Algeria. The French Foreign Legion Marching Regiment (Régiment de Marche Legion Étrangère) was formed when France mobilised and called for volunteers from foreign nationals living in France.

French Foreign Legion Troops Western Front 1914

As their Empire in North Africa grew, the French had formed native regiments of Tirailleurs (Light Infantry) in Algeria and Tunisia during the 19th Century. On the outbreak of the First World War the number of units were expanded by the formation of Marching Regiments.

The Moroccan Division consisted of Régiment de Marche Legion Étrangère), Régiment de Marche 4eme Tirailleurs (Tunisians), Régiment de Marche 7eme Tirailleurs (Algerians) and the Algerian Régiment de Marche 8eme Zouaves.  

French Colonial Troops
Tirailleurs

 

French Colonial Troops
Zouaves

On 9th May 1915 a joint British / French offensive was launched in the Artois Region.  The British attacked on the Aubers Ridge. The French objective was the high ground of Vimy Ridge. The French 10th Army attack was launched at 10:00 following a 4 hour artillery bombardment.  On the left, XXI Corps were to capture the the German positions on Notre Damme De Lorrette. In the centre Petain's XXXIII Corps (including the Moroccan Division and General Barbot's 77th Division) were tasked to secure Vimy Ridge. The XXX Corps on the right flank would attack Neuville St Vaast and the defensive position known as the Labyrinth. 

 

 

XX Corps made gains capturing Ablain St Nazaire, but heavy machine gun and artillery fire, as well as German counter attacks halted their advance and they were unable to progress to Souchez. The Labyrinth and Neuville St Vaast were secured by XXX Corps. Whilst initially making good progress XXXIII Corps in the Centre were halted by German artillery and machine gun fire. The Moroccan Division reached the top of Vimy Ridge, but were forced to withdraw.

The French made gains, but  after fighting which lasted till 18th June, Vimy Ridge remained in German hands.

 

French soldiers attacking up hill near Ablain St Nazaire

 

French Troops capture the Labyrinth defensive position 

 

 

 

 

During the Battle the Morrocan Division had reached the ridge top on Vimy Ridge. They had attacked in two waves using lightly equipped troops who pushed forward as quickly as possible bypassing isolated positions, leaving these to follow on troops. As a result they penetrated the German defences to reach Vimy Ridge, digging in having advanced 3,900 metres.

 

Unfortunately it was not possible to consolidate the position as re-inforcements could not get through the German artillery barrage. By the end of the day the Moroccan Division was forced to withdraw.

 

On Vimy Ridge, a memorial to the men of the Moroccan Division commemorates the achievements of the Moroccan Division on 9th May 1915 at the place they reached .

Moroccan Division Memorial
Vimy Ridge

 

Moroccan Division Memorial
Vimy Ridge

"Aux Morts de la Division Marocaine
Sans Peur sans Pitié (translated into Arabic)
A la Mémoire du Colonel Pein, commandant la 1er Brigade, du Colonel Cros commandant la 2nde Brigade, des Officiers, sous-officiers de la Division Marocaine tombés ici glorieusement les 9.10.11 Mai 1915.
Le 9 Mai 1915 les régiments de la Division Marocaine s'élancant à 10 heures des tranchées de Berthonval et brisant de haute lutte la résistance des Allemands atteignirent d'un bond la cote 140 leur objectif, rompant pour la première fois le front ennemi."
"To the Dead of the Moroccan Division
Fearless and Merciless

In memory of Colonel Pein, commanding the 1st Brigade, of Colonel Cros commanding the 2nd Brigade, of the Officers, non commissioned Officers of the Moroccan Division who in glory fell here on 09/10/11 May 1915.
On May 9, 1915 the regiments of the Moroccan Division, rushed from the Berthonval trenches at 10am, fiercely overcame the Germans' resistance and reached Hill 140, their goal, breaking for the first time the enemy's front."

 

Moroccan Division Soldiers being decorated for bravery