The “Saharan Troops” (French: troupes sahariennes) were specialized units of the French Army responsible for control and police duties in the Sahara, primarily in North Africa — from the early 20th century until independence.
Duties and Missions
Surveillance of vast desert territories, control of caravan routes, escort of columns and convoys.
Police and maintenance of order in oases and border regions (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Niger, Mauritania, etc.).
Long-range reconnaissance, diplomatic and military contacts with Tuareg and Arab tribes, as well as punitive expeditions against raids.
Organization and Recruitment
Establishment of the Saharan Companies in the early 20th century (Decree 1902, stable organization from 1905), heirs to the Dromedary Regiment from Napoleon's Egyptian campaign.
French officers and non-commissioned officers led native auxiliary troops and desert soldiers (Chaamba, Tuareg, nomadic tribes), who often had to provide their own mounts and equipment.
Development
Transition from mounted units (dromedaries, horses) to motorized “Saharan motorized” and armored units (e.g., Escadrons sahariens portés in the Foreign Legion in the 1950s–1960s).
Dissolution or transformation after North African independence (especially after 1962 in Algeria), which marked the end of the French Saharan troops.
- White cotton fabric, short-sleeved shirt, with belt, and red shoulder straps (attached with elastic band, light). Chest circumference 94 cm, length 67 cm, condition 2+
- Trousers, waist circumference 72 cm, length 104 cm, condition 2+
- Kepi, size approx. 53, with moth damage, condition 3
- Garrison cap, personal item, size approx. 54, condition 2
- 2 loose sleeve insignia
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