The next "First" symbolizes the French cavalry tradition as the 1 DIM did that of the infantry. It is the 1 DLM (1re Division Legere Mecanique). Again we can find a close match in the German Army. The 1 DLM resulted from the conversion of some of the French cavalry units to armor, just as the three Light Divisions in Case White represent a similar change by the Germans.

The three DLMs were comparable to the three Light Divisions in that they were designed to perform the traditional cavalry role of recon in strength. They were considerably stronger in tank strength, having a "battle" brigade of two regiments with 80 H-35 and 80 S-35 tanks. Infantry strength was weaker with a single regiment of "Mounted Dragoons", which however also held 60 AMR recon tanks. In addition there was a strong recon unit with 40 good Panhard armored cars, and an artillery regiment with 36mm, 75mm, and 105mm guns using tracked vehicles.

Europa players who also dabble in Napoleonics might be interested in the regiments of the 1 DLM. The two tank outfits were the 4th Cuirassiers and the 18th Dragoons, the mounted infantry were the 4th Dragoons and the recon regiment was the 6th Cuirassiers. (The last seems wrong somehow it is difficult to visualize Cuirassiers as skirmishers!)

The Europa ratings for the DLMs reflect their similarity to the German Light Divisions, for the former a 7-910, while the Light Divisions in Case White are either 7-5-10 or 6-5-10. Both are considered to be 1/2 AECA. The French units are probably strong enough in good tanks (remember the Somua S 35 was probably the best allround tank available in 1940) to be full AECA, but their doctrine discouraged them from indulging in Blitzkrieglike attacks.

In May 1940 the three DLMs formed part of the mass of motorized troops that rushed into Northern Belgium. There, quite against doctrine, they met, head-on, Panzer divisions rushing the other way. The ensuing punch-up is skimmed over in German accounts, but ended with the mutual decimation of DLMs and Panzers alike. A week or so later the DLMs, by now cut off by the German drive to the Channel coast, were heavily involved in the counterattack at Arras and the defense of Dunkirk. The DLM was the most powerful formation in the French Army, and the Germans were most insistent that Vichy France be prevented from reforming them after the Armistice.

First Divisions 1940 France

Introduction
1 DIM (1re Division d'Infanterie Motorisee)
1 DLM (1re Division Legere Mecanique)
1 DLC (1re Division Legere de Cavalrie)
1st Divisions: Tirailleurs
1 DIC (1re Division D'Infanterie Coloniale)
1 DCR (1re Division Cuirassee)