France: 4th Battalion 1st Foreign Legion Infantry Regiment. Gilded bronze & enamel regimental breast badge

Reverse of the badge with makers marks on circular cartouche 'Drago Paris -Nice', and with address 'Drago 25 Rue Beranger Paris'. Below is the word 'Depose' and a small tablet with letters which appear to be 'JD'

Enamel all intact. and the insignia complete with original hinged pin and clasp fittings on the reverse

In 1931, the 8th Battalion, 1er REI, was re-styled as 4th Battalion, 1er REI. The battalion, now under command of Major Guyot. Designated an 'overseas force' the unit was based in Syria (the Levant) where it's HQ was centred at Homs. The descendent unit of this battalion subsequently formed part of the 'Foreign Legion Group' in Syria, whose battalions fought against - and were decisively beaten - by British Commonwealth Forces (principally, but not exclusively from the British Indian Army & 2nd Australian Imperial Force), during the Syrian Campaign of the Second World War

This badge dates to 1937, when it was manufactured in three versions; bronze for enlisted; silver for NCO and gold for officers. The battalion, which was based at Homs was dissolved in 1939,
(when it was re-styled & re-grouped) which dates the era of issue of this badge to 1937-1939

Reference Andrew Mitchell's work on the insignia of the 1st Foreign Legion Regiment, this particular battalion was 'strictly autonomous' as a unit dedicated for service in Syria

A rare and short-lived item of regimental insignia

Code: 22359