Did you know that the defense of Bir Hakeim is one of the most heroic episodes in French military history? We stand here before the Bir Hakeim 11 Juin 1942 Stele in Lyon. It commemorates a pivotal moment during World War II. This stele honors the Free French forces stand against the Axis powers at Bir Hakeim. The battle took place in Libya in May and June 1942. It saw General Marie Pierre Koenig’s 1st Free French Brigade bravely defend their position.
The story of Bir Hakeim is one of courage. It is also one of strategic importance. In 1942, the Allies and principally British forces were keen to protect the Suez Canal. North Africa was strategically important for controlling Mediterranean shipping routes. Malta was crucial. Holding it required controlling airfields in North Africa. At that stage of the conflict, North Africa was the only place where British and Free French troops could fight a land war against Germany and Italy.
The Gazala Line was a series of defensive boxes stretching south from Gazala. It reached the remote outpost of Bir Hakeim. Bir Hakeim protected a desert highway. Rommel intended to attack in force through here. The 1st Free French Brigade was tasked with defending Bir Hakeim.
Brigadier General Marie Pierre Koenig commanded around 3700 troops. His force included two battalions of the French Foreign Legion. There were also colonial troops from Chad and Congo. Koenig prepared his defenses well. He knew how to defend an indefensible position. The French troops transformed the réduit into a fortified camp. They dug trenches and shelters to camouflage men weapons and vehicles.
On May 27 1942 the Italian 132nd Armored Division Ariete attacked Bir Hakeim. The Italians were hampered by minefields. They also faced effective fire from French artillery. Koenig rejected their surrender offer. He remained determined to defend the Gazala Line defenses at all costs. The besieged Free French force endured artillery fire and air attacks. They were aided by the Allied Desert Air Force. Koenig signaled Air Vice-Marshall Coningham Bravo Merci pour la RAF.
Rommel withdrew his main force to regroup. He renewed the offensive on June 2. He bolstered Italian troops with the German 90 Leichte Division and the Italian Trieste Division. Still the Free French resisted. Rommel sent in a battlegroup of the 15th Panzer Division on June 6. The Free French faced an overwhelming force.
On June 7 the Axis forces made another attempt to oust the Free French. The defenders held on. The air attacks intensified. The defenders were down to one cup of water per person per day. On June 8 Rommel sent in two more German battlegroups. The Free French lines were shrinking. They steadily lost their heavy artillery pieces.
Koenig knew he could not hold the position much longer. He was ordered to withdraw his force on the night of June 10. The French slipped away through a cleared path in the minefield. Two companies remained fighting to cover the retreat. The Free French raced through the Axis lines. The now useless position of Bir Hakeim was finally captured on June 11. 2700 defenders escaped. The Axis forces suffered 3000 casualties.
The defense of Bir Hakeim delayed Rommel. The Free French inflicted severe losses. They slowed the German advance. They delayed the capture of Tobruk. They enabled the British to retreat. De Gaulle sent Koenig a telegram Be assured that you are the pride of France. The battle established the Free French as a viable fighting force. It provided a morale boost for the French. It stands as a great feat of bravery. That bravery is symbolized by this stele. It is a reminder of their sacrifice and courage.