3/3 RTA

One of the main component of CEFEO was the manpower provided be French holdings in North Africa. In 1953 there were some 30,000 North Africans serving in Indochina. There were the Tirailleurs (riflemen), Goumiers (Moroccan irregular infantry) and Spahis (cavalry) from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. There were also other separate units such as artilery, engeneers and troops from Senegal. These forces difered in quality from quit poor to harded superb units. They served throughout the war in many roles. Some were used as static garrisons yet others were formed for special tasks such as mobile duties for the Groupes Mobile(GMs).

Each Régiment de Tirailleurs Algériens (RTA - Algerian Rifle Regiment) was required, in early 1947, to form a March Battalion for service in Indochina, as part of the 1re Demi-Brigade de Marche de Tirailleurs Algériens (1re DBMTA - 1st March Demi-Brigade of Algerian Rifles). These were to return to their original units after a two-year tour. From 1950, the battalions stayed in place in Indochina, and were relieved by detachments from Algeria or Germany, to replace the time-expired personnel. 

In addition, four of the Bataillons de Pionniers Nord-Africains (BPNA) - formed in 1945-46 to guard depots of US military surplus material - were renamed (using the designations of previous tirailleur battalions, dissolved in 1940) and sent to Indochina. Also, the 7e RTA was sent in 1953 from garrison duty in Germany to serve in Indochina. 

The uniform and personal equipment of the Algerian Tirailleurs was generally a mixture of pre-WW2 French, WW2 US or British, and some post-WW2 French patterns. The bush-hat was popular in the field, though the US pattern steel helmet is also often seen on photographs, with the chèche (worn as a turban) mainly reserved for parades. Armament was typical for all CEFEO units (mixture of MAS 36 and M1 Garand rifles, plus FM 24/29 and 60mm or 81mm mortars as support). Tirailleurs used the standard CEFEO battalion organisation of HQ company and 4 rifle companies (often reduced to 3 companies in practice). 
 

The 3e BM/3e RTA arrived in Tonkin in the end of 1949. First they provide security for Chinese refugees in Tien Yen and That Khe, then sent to Cochinchina (05/50) where they participated in a long series of operations in Thu Dau Mot, Lai Thieu and Ben Cat. Briefly served in Cambodia (06/52), then in Central Annam in the summer of 1952. Becoming part of the general reserve, they returned to Tonkin in 11/52, operating in Phat Diem, Ha Dong, and on the RC6. Sent to Cochinchina (07/53), then Central Annam (08/53), and they were air-transported to the Plain of Jars (Laos) before returning to Tonkin in 09/53. Attached to GM 9, they operated in the Delta until 12/53, when they were air-transported to Dien Bien Phu, where they occupied the "Dominique" position until their destruction in early 05/54.