38th Infantry Division (France)

38th Infantry Division was an infantry division of the French Army active during the First World War.

The 38th Division was formed in August 1914 from personnel from North Africa within the 19th Military Region; The division consisted primarily of tirailleurs and Zouaves (both types of light infantry).

Of particular note is that the 4e brigade marocaine was a part of the Division for a large part of WW1. It was formed around two infantry regiments. The Régiment d'infanterie coloniale du Maroc is the most decorated unit of the French Army. Not to be outdone, the 4e régiment mixte de zouaves et tirailleurs (4e RMZT) gained a reputation as an elite formation, too. It distinguished itself during the First World War, notably during the recapture of Fort Douaumont on 24 October 1916 and the battle of La Malmaison on 23 October 1917. The unit was cited six times in the orders of the Army during the war, and consequently received the red Fourragère on 9 November 1918. Its flag was decorated with the Légion d'honneur on 13 July 1919.

The Division is noted for its role in the first and second offensive stages of the fighting at Verdun during October and December 1916. It captured the Fort de la Malmaison during the battle of the same name on 23 October 1917.