“42ème de Ligne” echoes through time. What story does this Parisian street whisper?
Rue du 42e de Ligne. It stands as a testament to Parisian history. Street names often hold hidden stories. This street commemorates the 42nd regiment.
But who were they? What did they do to earn such an honor? Let’s uncover the history behind this name. The 42nd Transmission Regiment of the French Army was created on July 1 1947. It was dissolved May 26 2011.
Its motto was “Il faut le faire”. That translates to “It must be done”. The regiment’s emblem displays “Italie 1943-1944”. This inscription recalls the French Expeditionary Corps landing in Naples in 1943.
The regiment’s origins trace back to transmission units formed in North Africa. These units participated in the Tunisia Campaign. They also fought in the Italian campaign from 1943 to 1944. Later they were part of the 1st French Army. They landed in Provence August 15 1944. Their campaign stretched until they reached the Danube in April 1945.
In December 1943 the French Expeditionary Corps landed in Naples. Transmissions were under Colonel Brygoo’s command. Units included construction companies. These were the 806/1 and 806/3. They were equipped with American materials. Their personnel mainly consisted of Moroccan linesmen.
The 807/1 exploitation company was led by Captain Wolfer. It was responsible for transmission operations. They used American Italian and French materials. These included telephone exchanges and radio stations.
Lieutenant Benoit led the 808 radio listening company. They were in charge of radio monitoring and direction finding. Captain Bastien commanded the 809 military telegraphy company. Captain Mangin led the 810 transmission company. It acted as a park and support unit.
These units consisted of diverse personnel. Veterans of Saharan radio mixed with young escapees from France. Young women recently enlisted in the Women’s Transmission Corps also joined. General Merlin had recently created this corps. They valiantly fought in battles under General Juin.
In 1944 the Italian campaign ended. The campaign in France began. In mid-August the first transmission elements landed near Saint Tropez. They came with the 1st Army.
In 1945 the High Command grouped organic transmission formations. These were the 800 series units. Six of them participated in the campaign. They were gathered in Baden and Palatinate. They were formed into a single regiment. The PC was originally in Steinbach near Baden-Baden.
Thus the 18th Transmission Regiment was created. In 1947 a transmission regiment was created in Nancy. It took the number 18. This number was previously held by the telegraph sappers regiment of Nancy. The people of Lorraine wanted the regiment in Nancy to have the number 18.
On July 1 1947 the 18th became the 42nd Transmission Regiment. The number 42 was not chosen randomly. It recalled the 42nd Telegraph Sapper Battalion. It was part of the Army of the Rhine from 1920 to 1929. It managed transmission resources for French occupation troops in the Rhineland.
The 42nd Regiment had various commanders throughout its history. In 1971 it adopted the motto “Il faut le faire”. The regiment was based in several locations. These included Achern Neustadt an der Weinstraße Rastatt and Laval. It was part of the BTAC. The regiment was dissolved in 2011.
Today Rue du 42e de Ligne remains. It is a silent tribute to the dedication and service of these soldiers. As you walk this street remember their motto. “Il faut le faire” It must be done.