Insignia of the 8eme Zouaves
8e Zouaves – Zouave units were raised predominantly from French settlers in North Africa. This particular regiment formed part of the 12th Motorised Division. Having fought successive rearguard actions across Belgium, this unit was ordered to defend the critical area around Fort des Dunes and Bray Dunes, to the last man. Despite heavy assaults from land and air, it held its positions doggedly throughout the Battle of Dunkirk, losing its commander, General Janssen, who was killed in an air raid at the fort. In the late afternoon of the 3rd June, the unit was ordered back to the port of Dunkirk for evacuation. However, with insufficient ships available to evacuate the remaining French troops, the bulk of the regiment was lost and formed part of the 40,000 French troops who were forced to surrender.
8e Zouaves – Zouave units were raised predominantly from French settlers in North Africa. This particular regiment formed part of the 12th Motorised Division. Having fought successive rearguard actions across Belgium, this unit was ordered to defend the critical area around Fort des Dunes and Bray Dunes, to the last man. Despite heavy assaults from land and air, it held its positions doggedly throughout the Battle of Dunkirk, losing its commander, General Janssen, who was killed in an air raid at the fort. In the late afternoon of the 3rd June, the unit was ordered back to the port of Dunkirk for evacuation. However, with insufficient ships available to evacuate the remaining French troops, the bulk of the regiment was lost and formed part of the 40,000 French troops who were forced to surrender.