2nd Armoured Division (France, 1940)

The 2nd Armoured Division (French: 2e Division Cuirassée, 2e DCR) is a unit of the French Army formed during World War II that took part in the May-June 1940 Battle of France.

2nd Armoured Division
2e Division Cuirassée
Badge of the division.
ActiveJanuary - July 1940
Country France
BranchFrench Army
TypeArmoured Division
RoleArmoured warfare
Motto(s)Malgré
EngagementsBattle of France

History

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Formed 16 January 1940 at Haute Moivre. Campaigns: Battle of the Meuse, Fronts of the Aisne and the Somme, Somme Front, Battle of the Somme and Retreat of the Center. Final command post at Saint-Pierre Cherignat, northeast of Limoges. Division subsequently disbanded. Subordination: I Corps of 7th Army until 29 May and then various, including 10th Army, VII Corps, IX Corps, X Corps, 51st British Infantry Division and the Groupement Cuirassée.[1]

Composition

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B1 bis tank of the 8th Battalion, lost in Guise, Northern France, in May 1940.

In May 1940:

  • 8th Tank Battalion (B1 bis tanks)
  • 15th Tank Battalion (B1 bis tanks)
  • 14th Tank Battalion (H39 tanks)
  • 27th Tank Battalion (H39 tanks)
  • 17th Motorized Rifle Battalion (bataillon de chasseurs portés)
  • 309th Artillery Regiment

References

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  1. ^ GUF, Vol. 3, pp. 477-496.

Bibliography

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