"?Units in yesterday's Bastille Day Parade?" Topic

I have been watching yesterday's parade in Paris on You Tube, and I really enjoyed it. It began with a helicopter view of President Macron's motorcade, with motorcycle escort, driving to the Arc de Triumpe. Great view of Paris buildings from above.

YouTube link

But I confess to having NO knowledge of modern French parade uniforms. Can anyone add comments as to what the marching units were? The Foreign Legion with their massed sapeurs are outstanding!

I noted a small unit carrying the Japanese flag!

Also, a unit that looked like Spanish Gendarmes! Odd, black "tricorn."

There were vehicles with a field piece mounted on the rear, looking like a throwback to the 1940's!

There were modern battle tanks, but I do not know what the French use today.

GdeP

Hello Garde,

yes what a fine display it was again, notwithstanding a slight misunderstanding between two motorcycle riders, and a misplaced canister of red dye…

The international connections of the French armed forces were very much to the fore: Japan and Singapore were guests of honour, the latter have a strong airforce contingent based in France for training purposes. The Gendarmerie school of Tulle has a long-standing partnership with Spain's Guardia Civil, so those were indeed Spanish tricornes you spotted. Belgian tanks and German airplanes were present as well, and the Second-in-Comand of the first armoured division is a British general who exchanges with a French counterpart.

Until I find a better source, here's a list of the French units that marched (or rolled) past. The Spahis with their cloaks usually stand out – their CO still walks with a cane normally after being injured in Mali, by an IED that killed two of his men, but insisted on leading his unit in this parade. And the Foreign Legion always comes last because their parade march, allegedly inherited from the German regiments in the service of Old France, is only 88 steps per minute instead of the usual 120.

link

The hardware is not so much my thing. Had I known you would ask, I would have paid closer attention (shall we make a date for next year?). I have yet to watch the 3 hours of preliminary programme, if that sheds any light on the matter I'll be in touch.

Hello, Stefan!

I had trouble cross-posting this to Napoleonic, 19th Century and modern, and then went into 19th century and made a new post. I hope this will link to the 19th century page:

TMP link

They show picture of the tanks, and name other equipment.

I hope to take time next weekend to run the You Tube again, after printing out the "order of march" shown on one of these entries. I did NOT see the Spahis you mention.

You guys are all the best!

Ray
GdeP

Hello, Stefan!

I had trouble cross-posting this to Napoleonic, 19th Century and modern, and then went into 19th century and made a new post. I hope this will like to the 19th century page:

TMP link

I hope to take time next weekend to run the You Tube again, after printing out the "order of march" shown on one of these entries.

YOu guys are all the best!

Ray
GdeP

And the Foreign Legion always comes last because their parade march, allegedly inherited from the German regiments in the service of Old France, is only 88 steps per minute instead of the usual 120.

That is interesting. I had always assumed it was something to do with marching in sand.

Not that the two are mutually exclusive…

Man, that editing is annoying.

Spahis at 17.45

Glad to be of service, 42flanker.

Ray, I sent you a pm about ten days ago. If you didn't receive it, please get in touch: armchairgeneral AT hotmail DOT com.