World War II
The 71st Infantry Division was a "B" reserve division, a third-line formation with few regular soldiers on strength and older equipment. The division was mainly formed from Parisian reservists.
During the Battle of France, the Division contained the following units:
- 120 Infantry Regiment
- 205 Infantry Regiment
- 246 Infantry Regiment
- 60 Reconnaissance Battalion
- 38 Artillery Regiment
The division served on the Meuse sector, under the command of the French X Corps, part of the French 2nd Army. During the early phase of the Battle of France, the 71st Division was largely destroyed in the fighting along the Meuse between 14 May and 17 May 1940.
The division was disbanded on 21 May 1940 and the remaining forces were combined with the survivors of the 55th Infantry Division to form the 59th Light Infantry Division.
Read more about this topic: 71st Infantry Division (France)
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