2nd Light Mechanized Division (France)
| 2nd Light Mechanized Division | |
|---|---|
| 2e division légère mécanique | |
| Active | 1937 – 16 July 1940 |
| Country | France |
| Type | Mechanized Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Garrison/HQ | Lyon (1937) Melun (1939) |
| Engagements | World War II |
The 2nd Light Mechanized Division (French: 2e Division Légère Mécanique, 2e DLM) was a French Army division active during the Second World War. It was created in 1937.
Second World War
Battle Of France
During the Battle of France in May 1940, the division contained the following units:[1]
Order of Battle (10 May 1940)
The 2nd Light Mechanized Division (2e DLM) was one of the spearhead units executing the Dyle Plan in Belgium. Classified as an Active Series unit, it was noted as having a "full complement of modern equipment, well trained".
The division's Headquarters (HQ location: FLEURUS (Bel.)) was commanded by Brigade-General BOUGRAIN.
Command and Reconnaissance
- Chief of Staff: Lieutenant-Colonel De BLOIS
- Off. commanding the divisional transports: Major THELLEMENT
- Deep Reconnaissance Regiment (*Régiment de Découverte*): 8e Régiment de Cuirassiers (8th Cuirassier Regiment)
Divisional Combat Brigades
- 3rd Light Mechanized Brigade[2]
- 13e Régiment de Dragons (13th Dragoon Regiment)
- 29e Régiment de Dragons (29th Dragoon Regiment)
- 4th Light Mechanized Brigade[2]
- 1er Régiment de Dragons Portés (1st Motorized Dragoon Regiment)
- 12e Escadron Divisionnaire de 25mm Anti-Chars (12th Divisional 25mm Anti-Tank Squadron)
- 13e Escadron de Réparation Divisionnaire (13th Divisional Repair Squadron) (Attached to the 13e Dragoon Regiment)
Artillery, Engineers, and Signals
- Artillery:
- 71st Artillery Regiment
- 71e Régiment d'Artillerie Tractée Tous-Terrains (71st Motorised Artillery Regiment (Cross-Country))
- 10e Batterie Divisionnaire Anti-chars du 71e RATTT (10th Divisional Anti-tank Battery)
- Batterie de 25mm CA 101B/405e RADCA (25mm Anti-Aircraft Battery)
- Engineers (Génie):
- Compagnie de Sapeurs-Mineurs 38/1 and 38/2 (Engineer Companies 38/1 and 38/2)
- Compagnie d'Equipages de Ponts 38/16 (Bridging Company 38/16)
- Signals (Transmissions):
- Compagnie Télégraphique 38/81 (Field Telegraph Company 38/81)
- Compagnie Radio 38/82 (Radio Company 38/82)
- Détachement Colombophile 38/83 (Messenger Pigeon Detachment 38/83)[3]
References
- ^ The Organization and Order of Battle of Militaries in World War II: Volume VI Italy and France Including the Neutral Countries of San Marino, Vatican City (Holy See), Andorra, and Monaco. p. 448.
- ^ a b The Organization and Order of Battle of Militaries in World War II: Volume VI Italy and France Including the Neutral Countries of San Marino, Vatican City (Holy See), Andorra, and Monaco. p. 480.
- ^ "1re Armée Order of Battle / Ordre de bataille, 10/05/1940 (2e DLM details)" (in French). France 1940. Retrieved 2025-12-09.