The 2nd Marine Infantry Regiment is an infantry regiment of the Troupes de marine in the French Army, the only regiment to bear 16 battle honours inscriptions of the regimental colors. The regiment is one of the "quatre vieux" regiments of the Troupes de marine, with the 1st Marine Infantry Regiment 1er RIMa, the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment 3e RIMa and the 4th Marine Infantry Regiment 4e RIMa (dissolved in 1998); also, alongside the 1st Marine Artillery Regiment 1er RAMa as well as the 2nd Marine Artillery Regiment 2e RAMa which formed the Blue Division.

Creation and different nominations

History

Since 1822, and until 2012, the unit has endured the loss of 5000 members.

Ancien Regime

Wars of the Revolution & Empire

1815 to 1848

Second Empire

With the 3rd Marching Marine Infantry Regiment of colonel Lecamus, the 2e under the orders of colonel Alleyron formed the 2nd Brigade of général Charles Martin des Pallières. This 2nd Brigade with the 1st Brigade of général Reboul, three batteries de 4, two batteries de 4 and a machine gun of the Marine Artillery Regiment, on engineer company constituted the 3rd Infantry Division commanded by division general de Vassoigne. This infantry division evolved at the corps of the 12th Army Corps having for commander-in-chief division general Lebrun.

1870 to 1914

World War I

Reconstituted more than ten times, having endured for 52 months with daily struggles of nearly 20,000 men killed, wounded or disappeared, the 2nd Colonial Infantry Regiment 2e RIC has participated to all the major battles of the conflict. The regiment received 4 citations at the orders of the armed forces as well as the fourragere with colors of the Médaille militaire.

1914

1915

1916

1917

1918

Interwar period

In 1930: 2nd Colonial Infantry Regiment was stationed at Brest. In 1939: Tripoli in the region of Syria (now in Lebanon).

World War II

1939

1940

1941

With the Free French Brigade of the Orient:

1942

1943

1944

1945

1945 to present

Subordinations

The regiment is subordinated to the 9th Marine Infantry Brigade, a part of the terrestrial forces.

Organization

The regiment's structure is as follows:

Traditions

The anniversary is celebrated for combats in Bazeilles, the village which was apprehended and abandoned four consecutive times under orders, respectively on August 31 and September 1, 1870. In the Name of God, vive la coloniale ! The Marsouins and the Bigors have for Saint, God. This war calling concludes intimate ceremonies which part life in the regiments. Often also at origin as an act of grace to Charles de Foucauld.

Motto

"Fidelitate et honore, terra et mare" translates to "Fidelity and honor on land and sea".

Insignia of the 2e RIMa

« A Frigate firing broadside, featuring the coat of arms of Fleur-de-lis and Ermine. The frigate plaque rests on a golden Marine anchor, featuring « 1638 » dated on the stock. A military inscribed « 2 » surmounted of three chevrons brushing on a diamond on the crown of the anchor. The arm of the anchor is inscribed with "Fidelitate et honore, terra et mare" ».

Regimental Song

Regimental Colors

Battle Honours

The regimental colors are decorated with:

Decorations

The regiment holds the following decorations: Fourragere:

Regimental Commanders

2e RIMa (1869 - 1900)

2er RIC (1900 - 1958)

2er RIMa ( 1958 - present)

Gallery - 2e RIMa

Notable Officers & Marines

Sources and bibliography