97th Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division
| 97th Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division | |
|---|---|
97th Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division Unit Insignia
|
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| Active | December 1, 1939 – September 30, 1940 |
| Disbanded | September 30, 1940 |
| Country |
 France
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| Branch |
.svg){kind=small} French Army
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| Type | Cavalry |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Size | 630 men total |
| Part of | 7th North African Infantry Division |
| Engagements | |
| Battle honours | Camerone 1863 |
The 97th Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division (French: 97e groupe de reconnaissance de division d'infanterie, 97e GERD) was a motorized cavalry unit composed of members of the French Foreign Legion which existed briefly at the beginning of the Second World War. The unit was involved in the Battle of France until France's surrender to Germany; the 97th GRDI remained intact for a few months after the surrender until it was disbanded on September 30, 1940.
Originally established as the 180th Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division on December 1, 1939, at Sousse, Tunisia as part of the French military mobilization at the beginning of World War II. Formed from elements of the 1st Foreign Cavalry Regiment and the 2nd Foreign Cavalry Regiment in addition to elements drawn from the 4th Cavalry Depot of Africa (4e Dépôt de Cavalerie d'Afrique). The 180th GRDI was a part of the 180th North African Infantry Division under the command of General Rochas.
On January 2, 1940, the 97th GRDI was transferred to Pont-du-Fahs in northern Tunisia and the unit was again transferred on February 3, 1940, to Bizerte also in northern Tunisia. On February 3, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Lacombe de La Tour was placed in command of the 97th Reconnaissance Group. On March 21, 1940, the 97th GRDI arrived at Marseilles and by March 24 the unit was transferred to Carcassonne where it was attached to the 16th Cavalry Division.
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