The second category of these "overseas" units is represented by the last division we will consider - the 1 DIC (1re Division D'Infanterie Coloniale). At the start of the war it consisted of three Colonial Regiments. These were the formations in which the white settlers served. Settlers from North Africa were supposed to be in Zouave Regiments. (American Civil War buff s will recollect that dressing up in the fancy Zouave uniform was popular in 1961).

However, since the division started the war in France, there cannot have been settlers in it. The answer is that these "Colonial" Regiments were also designed to guard other (outside North Africa) colonies of France. Therefore the cadre of some regiments were regulars in peacetime. These units had for most of their history been called "Marine Regiments". (Unlike British and US Marines, French Marines formed part of the Army, and are better described as "overseas" regiments.)

By 1940 many of the Colonial Regiments had been swapped with native units of other divisions, and the regiments of the First Colonial were the 3 RIC (3rd Colonial) and the 12 and 14 RTS (12th and 14th Senegal). Senegal was the generic name given to native units from West Africa. The 1 DIC was in poor shape in May 1940, still recovering from having traded regiments with other divisions the previous month, as well as being short 50% of its regimental antitank guns. Its performance was not very impressive and it should be rated a 4-6 on the basis of its May, 1940 quality. Its 6-6 rating reflects its starting strength, when all its sub-units were regular "Marines".

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)