French Expeditionary Corps (1943–44)
| French Expeditionary Corps (FEC) | |
|---|---|
| Corps Expéditionnaire Français (CEF) | |
Shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active | 1943–1944 |
| Country | France French Colonial Empire |
| Allegiance | Free France |
| Branch | French Liberation Army |
| Type | Army |
| Size | 112,000 men (4 divisions) |
| Engagements |
|
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | General Alphonse Juin |
The French Expeditionary Corps (FEC) (French: Corps Expéditionnaire Français, CEF), also known as the French Expeditionary Corps in Italy (FECI) (French: Corps Expéditionaire Français en Italie, CEFI), was an expeditionary force of the French Liberation Army formed in 1943. The corps participated in the Italian Campaign of World War II under the command of General Alphonse Juin. Comprising approximately 112,000 men organized into four divisions, the force was largely made up of colonial units drawn from the Army of Africa, with Moroccan and Algerian troops led by French officers; overall, colonial personnel constituted about 60% of its strength.
The corps demonstrated considerable operational mobility, advancing across mountainous terrain during its engagements. However, its record was also marked by numerous incidents of rape, murder, and looting against the local Italian population. In August 1944, the corps was withdrawn from Italy and its units were incorporated into the French First Army under General de Lattre de Tassigny in preparation for the invasion of Southern France.