French Expeditionary Corps (1943-1944)

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The French Expeditionary Corps (French: Corps Expéditionaire Français, CEF), also known as the French Expeditionary Corps in Italy (French: Corps Expéditionaire Français en Italie, CEFI), was an expeditionary force composed of french soldiers that fought in the Italian Campaign during World War II under the command of General Alphonse Juin. He landed in Italy in 1943 with 35000 soldiers.

It was composed of 100000 soldiers by 1944 and 120000 for the battle of Cassino, and was put under the command of general Mark Clark and his fifth army. His commander was Alphonse Juin, a great tactician, assisted by general Carpentier. The other leaders were mainly general Monsabert (third DIA),general Sevez,general Larminat, general Dody and general Brosset.

Juin was the one who made the plan to break the Gustav line. The FEC took first Monte Belvedere, then won the battle for Monte Majo and the Garigliano, while US II Corps progressed on the left. After that, polish II Corps, numbering 50000 soldiers was able to take Monte Cassino.

The battle for the Gustav Line had been difficult for the FEC. It had been involved in violent combat in mountains.

Then, the FEC attacked the east of Rome while Clark entered the city, and then securized the road of Sienna. The city was then conquered. The casualties for the campaign were approximatively 6000 killed in action, 2000 disapearred soldiers and 20000 wounded. The survivors were retreated to Africa as they were a good experienced soldiers base for the army B.

[edit] Order of Battle