5th Foreign Infantry Regiment:Tonkin Regiment
The 5th Foreign Infantry Regiment, nicknamed the Tonkin Regiment, is a regiment of the Foreign Legion created in 1930, under the Third Republic, and dissolved in 2000. Its history is marked by participation in the Second World War and the conflicts of 'Indochina and Algeria.
Role Infantry - Engineers
Currency The most chic, the most beautiful, the nicest
Creation and different denominations
September 1, 1930:creation of the 5th foreign infantry regiment.
July 1, 1945:almost annihilated, it was dissolved for the first time. Its personnel were grouped together within BM 5 (marching battalion of the 5e REI).
November 1, 1949:the regiment was reconstituted from elements of the 6e and 4e REI
October 1, 1963:the regiment becomes the 5th Mixed Pacific Regiment (5e RMP).
July 1, 1984:it takes the name of 5th Foreign Regiment (5e RE)
June 30, 2000:as part of the reorganization of the French army, the 5th RE is dissolved. Its flag enters the museum of the Foreign Legion in Aubagne.
History of garrisons, campaigns and battles
Indochina
Garrisons:Viétri, Tong, Dap Cao, Phu Lang Thuong, Yen Bay, Ha Giang, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Tien Kien…
Before the War
The troubles attributable to the decline in numbers following the First World War underline the need to reinforce the troops of Tonkin. Four Foreign Legion battalions were sent to the Far East and formed the 5e REI.
Heir to the Foreign Legion units which fought in Tonkin, from 1883, it was created by DM 7617 of July 17, 1930 and was born on September 1, 1930. Pending personnel and material resources, it is temporarily maintained on the prior operation of its units forming corps, as part of the Foreign Legion demi-brigade.
In fact, it was not really constituted until April 1, 1931. Colonel Debas, head of the DBLE, was appointed as corps commander.
The staff, the non-ranking company, the 10th company of the 3rd battalion and the 4th battalion settled in Viétri;
the 1st battalion, the regimental band and the gear section and signals take up quarters at Tong;
the 2nd Battalion, at Dap Cau;
the 2nd Company of the 3rd Battalion at Tuyen Quang;
a section of the 2/5e REI, at Sept Pagodes;
a detachment of the 2/5e REI, at Phu Lang Thuong;
the 9th company of the 3/5e REI in Yen Bay where the mutiny of the same name took place;
the special section is garrisoned in Ha Giang.
He received his flag on May 7, 1932 during the inauguration of the Legion war memorial at Son Tay. On September 7, 1932, the 4th Battalion was disbanded. The regiment only has three battalions, equal to the units of Tonkin. The units are grouped around Hanoi and each is constantly improving its barracks.
In 1936, General Buhrer undertook to widen the field of action of the regiment. It prefigures the functions of "builder" of the "5". The command considers the possibility of an external action and plans two large bypasses allowing to move a mass of motorized strategic maneuver according to the needs of the situation. The first links H?i Phòng to Phong Saly and the second connects Tonkin to southern Indochina.
The 5e REI rotated its battalions which embarked on the execution of major works, including the strategic road between Campha and Tien Yen. Legionaries are used to supervise natives, implement mechanical means and build delicate works. They are also building the summering centers of Mount Bavi and Khang Kay in Laos, and expanding those of Chapa and Tam Dau. They are also building the Tranh Ninh Colonization Center.
World War II
1940:while the Vichy government authorizes passage through Indochina to the Japanese army, it invades Tonkin. The 2nd battalion of the 5e REI (commander Marcelin) distinguished itself at Lang Son.
1941:during the Franco-Thai war, the 3rd battalion fought in Cambodia, near Battambang and the 1st battalion near Pailin
1945:he took part in the fight against the Japanese army.
The fight against the Japanese and Siam
In 1939, the command post of the regiment garrisoned Viétri. The 1st Battalion is at Tong, the 2nd Battalion and Motorized Detachment is at Dap Cau, the 3rd Battalion is at Tuyên Quang. In September, the declaration of war in Europe does not cause any particular agitation. Confidence in the power of the Allied forces is absolute and non-interventionism is required in the face of Japanese aggression against China. However, the arrangements provided for in the event of general mobilization are taken.
In 1940, the command post of the regiment and the 1st and 3rd battalions moved to Cambodia. The 2nd Battalion provides part of the Lang Son and Dap Cau garrisons, while the motorized detachment joins Cao Bang. The Japanese multiplied the claims and finally went on the attack at Lang Son on September 22, 1940. The 2nd Battalion, garrisoned at Fort Brière de l'Isle, defended itself under the leadership of Battalion Commander Marcelin. A ceasefire is ordered. The Japanese, noting that this first attack was undoubtedly premature, preferred to withdraw, not without having sown the first seeds of nationalist revolt.
The 2nd battalion then participates with the DML in the hunt for bands that terrorize the populations. The effort continues until January 15, 1941 when the main rebel leader Trang Trung Lap is taken while the remnants of his bands take refuge in China. For these actions, the pennant of the 2nd Battalion is decorated with the Order of the Dragon of Anam. In 1941, the command post of the regiment returned to Viétri. The I/5e REI found Tuyên Quang, the II/5e REI was in Tong, the III/5e REI in Sept-Pagodes and the motorized detachment in Lang Son.
The disputes with the Japanese awaken the territorial appetites of Siam, which engages in attacks on the cover device, along the Mekong and on the Cambodian border. The Siamese troops, very well armed, launched their effort on January 16, 1941. A violent fight opposed the legionnaires to two battalions supported by tanks and aviation. Faced with resistance from the Tonkin Regiment, the aggressors fell back. The 3rd battalion deplores about twenty killed and ten wounded. The armistice is signed at the end of January. The Japanese impose their mediation of the territories are torn from Cambodia and Laos.
In 1945, the 5e REI held the garrisons of Viétri, Tong, Tien Kien, Lang Son and Hanoi, with elements distributed in the surrounding garrisons. The Japanese, considerably reinforced throughout the Indochinese territory, have means of liaison and modern armaments. In 24 hours, they become masters of all the garrisons using various methods. In Ha Giang, in Yen Bay, in Cao Bang, the French forces are annihilated. Some elements succeeded in joining the bulk of the forces marching towards the Chinese border. The 9th company designated to guard the CP managed to exfiltrate. She joins her battalion and goes to China. The 3 battalions regroup at Hung Hoa and head towards the Chinese border, through the jungle and the limestone. The last elements of the 5e REI cross the Chinese border. They join Tsao Pa on May 2 after covering more than 1,500 km in 93 days. On site, they benefit from the benevolence of General Pechkoff, a former Legion officer, representing France at Tchong King.
The marching battalion of the 5e REI
On July 1, 1945, the regiment was disbanded. The survivors of the Japanese coup are grouped together in a marching battalion, the BM 5, whose traditional units keep their battalion's pennant. In February 1946, the legionnaires were authorized to cross the Tonkinese border and, jostling the Viet Minh, their new enemy, approached Son La. They were stopped by the Hanoi agreements. Connected to the outside world only by radio and parachute drops, wedged between the Chinese troops and those of the Vietnamese communists, they succeeded in June in reaching the province of Sam Neua, which they protected against looters. On November 1, 1946, BM 5 was disbanded. On December 12, 1946, the survivors embarked on the Sontay in the direction of Algeria and the parent company of Sidi bel-Abbès.
The Indochina War
As the war in Indochina developed, the 5e REI was re-established in Tonkin on November 1, 1949 from elements of the V/4e REI and troops arriving from Sidi bel-Abbès. On April 12, 1950, in Haiphong, Lieutenant-Colonel François Binoche received the regimental flag from the hands of General Alessandri, Commander-in-Chief of Tonkin. The mission of the new 5e REI is to defend the north-eastern border of Tonkin against the Vi?t Minh soldiers who replace the Black Flags, and mainly the road axis which connects the Mon Caï sector to the Delta.
A swarming of small posts held by a few sections is practiced. On November 26, 1949, the 1st battalion found itself engaged in the fighting of RC 6, where the posts of Cho Bo and Hoa Binh were threatened and then the post of Suyut was surrounded. The legionnaires took their revenge on February 22, 1950, during Operation Tonneau.
The 2nd battalion is dispersed in small detachments on the main posts of Tien Yen, Dam Ha, Ha Coi and Mon Caï. He participated with the 3e REI in the disarmament of Chinese nationalists who had gone to Indochina after the definitive victory of Mao's communists. April 16, 1950 marked the start of Operation "Cinderblock" in which the 1st Battalion took part. It is followed in May, by the “Canigou” operation, south of Hanoi. Viet Minh pressure increases on the border with China. After the attack of May 25, 1950 against Dong Khe, the command sends the 2nd battalion to reinforce the device.
On September 16, the rebels again launched a final offensive against Cao Bang, which fell. The posts of Na Cham and Dong Dang were evacuated under the protection of the battalion in the rearguard. He collects the debris of the Charton and Lepage columns as well as the garrisons spread out along the axis of pressure from the Viêt-minh (the RC 4).
The 1st battalion attacks on the side of Mon Caï and regained a footing at the post of Tan mai on October 20, 1950. Ten days later, he reoccupied Dinh Lap and saved the coastal strip. Given the scale of the disaster, the triumph is modest.
The end of 1950 saw the regiment staggered on RC 18 and the border zone in the Mon Caï region. In December, the GM 6 is created from elements of the regimental command company. He goes to meet the Viêt-Minh 174 regiment marching on Dinh Lap. Harassment is continuous along the column. The 2nd battalion deplores 50 killed and 50 wounded. The last days of this bloody month were marked by the Binh Lieu clearing operation led by the 1st Battalion which, after having had to confine itself to picking up the survivors, faced with the importance of the enemy's resources, managed to reoccupy the post a few hours finding only three dead and two wounded.
Upon his arrival in Indochina, General de Lattre de Tassigny decided to create a belt of fortifications around the Delta. From the beginning of 1951, the 2nd battalion was busy with this task, soon joined by the 1st battalion which was working in the Vinh Yen and Viétri regions. Until November, the life of pioneers continues, interrupted by openings of roads, ambushes, harassment, even attacks in order.
The 3rd Battalion is integrated into GM 4 as part of Operation “Mandarine”. The 1st battalion distinguished itself during operations "Tulipe" and "Lotus". Fighting on the Black River develops. The III/5e REI, established in the sector, was attacked in vain. The end of 1951 saw the completion of the Black River fighting where the Viêt-Minh came out panting. Yet Division 304 controls RC 6 and hopes to make Hòa Bình a new Cao Bang.
The battle began on the night of January 7 to 8, 1952 and the retreat from Hoa Binh took place on February 23, 1952. The I/5e REI joined Xuon Mai and the line of concrete posts. The rebels are masters of the mountainous regions where they store camps, armories and depots. Tonkin's troops are reduced to confining themselves to the Delta alone. The concrete belt is no longer sufficient to prevent infiltration. The "rotting" of the Delta is developing. This first "reduction" will be the stronghold of part of the Tonkin regiment until the end.
The 2nd Battalion took part in clearing the Phat Diem sector and then in the “umbrella pin” operations. The 3rd battalion reported to Na Sam in 1952. The legionnaires took part in operations “Mercury”, “Polo”, “Camel”, “Grasshoppers”, “Cigogne”, “Caiman”. The face of war changes. The means implemented by the enemy are constantly increasing. Moreover, the influence of the Viet-Minh is such that the regiment must multiply to "extinguish all the fires". It remains until April 6, 1953, constantly organizing its positions, building roads to serve them, undergoing and repelling increasingly violent attacks.
The 4th battalion made up largely of Vietnamese becomes the 75th Vietnamese battalion. The month of July 1953 saw GM 5, with the 2nd Battalion, participate in the collection of paratroopers who had just distinguished themselves during Operation “Swallow”. In the Delta, the operations follow one another:“Pike” in September 1953, “Ventoux”, “Mouette” on October 15, in the region of Phu Nho Quan, “Bison”, “Buffle”, “Gerfaut” in the sector of Dong Qui Thon and Trai Lai Vi.
In March 1954, the 5e REI was represented at Diên Biên Phù by the 2nd mixed heavy mortar company (2e CMML) and by 80 volunteer legionnaires to be parachuted “for Honor”.
Meanwhile, the 1st Battalion was transported on December 30, 1953 to Cochinchina, then to Laos. Around Seno, he led a counter-guerrilla struggle until May 12, 1954. On March 22 and 23, the Ban Seng Phon region was the scene of a real pitched battle where the battalion lost 23 killed, 25 missing and 125 wounded. The intervention of the III/1er RTM saves him, facing an enemy ten times superior in number and in armament.
The regiment regroups on May 12, 1954 when the entrenched camp of Diên Biên Phu has just succumbed. Moreover, on April 16, 1954, GM 5, composed among others of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the 5th REI, suffered heavy losses against a rebel battalion in Thai Binh. The Tonkin regiment receives the sad privilege of enforcing the armistice agreements and returning Hanoi to the hands of the Viet Minh.
On October 10, 1954, the last element crossed the Paul Doumer bridge. The regiment then regroups in Annam where it remains for 7 months. He devoted himself to peaceful works, building camps and roads. In September 1955, grouped around Cap Saint-Jacques, the 5th Foreign Regiment celebrated the 25th anniversary of its creation.
On January 14, 1956, the 1st and 3rd battalions embarked on the "Pasteur". The 2nd battalion left Indochinese land last, on March 12, 1956. In the elements of the Tonkin Regiment, 137 officers, non-commissioned officers and legionnaires were killed in action until the ceasefire.
The flag is decorated with 3 citations to the order of the army and is adorned with the fourragère in the colors of the TOE war cross. The flags of the battalions total 6 citations at the order of the army and 4 at the order of the army corps.
Algeria
Garrisons :Turenne, Arzew, Mascara, Bou Hamama, Géryville, Tlemcen, Ain Sefra.
The regiment set foot on Algerian soil for the first time on February 9, 1956. After a quick passage through Orléansville, the 1st and 3rd battalions were directed towards Oranie, in the Marnia Nédroma sector.
On March 20, 1956, the corps commander, a few staff officers and Captain Cozette were ambushed on the road leading to Nédroma. Captain Cozette is killed during the pursuit of the rebels. He was avenged on April 6, by the 3rd battalion which caught up with a rebel company retreating after an ambush. The enemy left fifty killed on the ground. This first success was confirmed on April 10 by the 1st battalion, which definitively broke up the same rebel band. The fellaghas suffer from the bite of the Tonkin regiment. On April 18, at Tient, an engagement cost them 43 men. The blows follow one another:on July 15, against the haunts of the country of Berrached, on the 22nd at Jebel el Khoun. On August 14, Si Moktar's lair was broken into and its huge deposits annihilated. From then on, the seriously hustled enemy seems to want to refuse the fight.
It was during this period that the corps commander took command of the Turenne sub-sector in the operational zone of Tlemcen. The 5e REI became the intervention group and was entrusted with delicate missions. He undertakes a psychological war and a struggle against the politico-administrative apparatus of the National Liberation Front (FLN).
The assessment of the year 1956 is significant:559 fellaghas killed, 46 prisoners, 439 weapons taken including a mortar, 7 FM and 29 PM are recovered. These results are dearly paid for by 10% of the men of the regiment hors de combat. These losses represent 58% of those suffered in western Oran.
During the year 1957 the regiment of Tonkin is illustrated in some great fights, in particular on January 15, at the Kréane douar, on the 26, at the djebel el Bellel, on February 15 at the djebel Nekrif. Fillaoussène again on April 20, where 250 rebels entrenched on hill 895 were dislodged by the 2nd company, at Oued Amiguier on June 13 and at Jebel Mies on September 13.
Four days later, the new flag arrives at the regiment. In its folds is inscribed "Indochina 1945-1946, 1949-1954". On December 29, to close the year, the 1st battalion annihilated a zonal commando composed of 36 fellaghas, sadly famous for its multiple abuses. The results for 1957 show 649 fellaghas put out of action, 492 weapons seized including two mortars, three machine guns and twelve FMs.
Like other Legion infantry regiments, the 5th Foreign is reduced to two battalions. The first takes the place of the second, dissolved, in the sub-sector of Turenne. At the beginning of 1958, a 3rd battalion took over the positions of the 245th infantry battalion. The regiment is again dispersed. However, during an operation taking place on March 25, 1958, Chief Warrant Officer Mix, a brilliant non-commissioned officer, was killed while a company of fellaghas was decimated. Three days later, in Jebel Gorine, the regiment knocked out 77 opponents. On the eve of May 13, 1958, the Tonkin regiment seized its thousandth weapon.
At the beginning of the month, the 1st battalion was entrusted with the mission of putting to reason the bands of Colonel “Bellounis” who were spreading terror in the Djelfa region. A company engaged on May 29 against a "Bellounist" unit was instructed to retaliate only to the extent that its security required it. It thus supports enemy fire for 45 minutes. It was not until July that the regiment took action. On the 27th, at Jebel bou-Kahil, a particularly violent and deadly battle took the life of a young officer, Lieutenant Longueau de Saint Michel, as well as three non-commissioned officers and four legionnaires. It was one of the last engagements of this pre-Saharan interlude which ended on August 12 with the return of the 1st battalion to Turenne.
On October 1, 1958, the regiment established in the Arzew sector, under the orders of the 10th parachute division of General Gilles (10th DP). It is reorganized according to type 130 "intervention force". Its operational base is located in the vicinity of Mascara. The balance sheet for 1958 shows 374 fellaghas out of action, 210 weapons recovered including an 81 mm mortar, 2 machine guns and 7 FMs.
On February 4, 1959, the regiment moved towards central Ouarsenis. The 5e REI is the spearhead of the "Challe plan" which aims to drive out the rebels in their refuge areas and destroy them. Operation "Pacôme", which began on March 5, saw Chief Warrant Officer Vasko fall on the field of honor. On May 19, during Operation "Yves", which marked the decline of the bands of fellaghas, Lieutenant Ivanoff was shot in the head as he attacked an FM.
On June 18, the regiment left Ouarsenis. On July 21, he moved in the direction of Grande Kabylie to take part in the “Jumelles” operation, an essential link in the “Challe plan”. Apart from a short trip to Algiers, the year 1960 passed until October, on the Collo peninsula. The regiment ensures the protection of people, gradually directing them to assembly centers. Nomadization operations follow one another but are not very profitable because the widely dispersed enemy manages to thwart the traps. In addition, the "Precious Stones" operations dealt him serious blows.
In October 1960, the 5e REI left the Collo peninsula for the Aurès. On the 4th, the regiment took part in Operation “Trident” under the orders of Colonel Langlois. The group formed by the 5e REI, the 3e REI and the 1er REC, works in the region of Jebel Tougour and Ras Selb. The 3rd company catches up with a group of rebels during the search of Zizi Timselhadj. The 4th helicopter company, northeast of Kebach, cut down the fellaghas entrenched in their combat positions. On October 17, an operation was mounted in Jebel Ouzarharte, commanded by the commander of the 5e REI. The balance sheet shows 77 rebels killed and 49 prisoners. Thus, in November, the region seems empty of any enemy units.
As of December 4, 1960, the regiment replaced the 13e DBLE at Bou Hamama, in Constantinois, then the 3e REI at Kenchela. On December 20, an EMT No. 1 was made available to the south-eastern Constantinois zone and joined Morsott to participate in guarding the Algerian-Tunisian border. The reliefs continued until February 14, 1961, when the regiment found itself at its rear base. From February 28 to March 3, 1961, the regiment was in Oran for operations to maintain order in an urban environment.
The Tonkin regiment becomes a pre-Saharan unit and returns to the Géryville region. The enemy becoming rare, the function of builder of the regiment is again put forward. In May 1961, a new operational phase began along the dam to rake, to protect the electro-mechanics, to clear the networks of barbed wire from the snow, to adjust the shots. The names of Jebel Bou Amoud, Jebel Mzi, Jebel Goursifane become familiar to legionnaires. At Christmas, the regiment moved north to the Sebdou region along the Moroccan border. From this period, the regiment only provides a surveillance mission.
On April 4, 1962, the 5e REI left the Tlemcen region. On June 30, 1962, the independence of Algeria was proclaimed. On July 1, the 1st company was put to sleep and on September 19, it was the turn of the 3rd company. In October, the regiment relieved the 2e REI at Ain Sefra. Finally, in March 1963, the 5e REI was transformed into a Legion Engineer unit and had to prepare to leave for Polynesia.
At the end of 1959, the "Régiment du Tonkin" did its accounts since its arrival in Algeria:2,033 fellaghas out of action, 1,401 weapons captured.
Polynesia
Garrisons :Arue, Moruroa, Hao…
The 5th RMP:5th mixed regiment of the Pacific.
From March 1963 and in anticipation of a new organization of the 5e REI on the "Engineering-Legion" type, various specialist courses were held for personnel in engineering units in mainland France. A precursor element is sent to Tahiti and the departures follow one another until the end of the year. Reduced considerably, on November 30, 1963, the 5e REI ceased to exist administratively.
Previously, since October 1, the 5th mixed regiment of the Pacific (5th RMP) was created in Arzew under the command of Colonel Nouguès. It takes up the traditions of the Tonkin Regiment. On December 7, 1963, his flag landed from LST Cheliff at the port of Papeete. The regiment received custody of it two days later at the Arue camp. In order to prepare the regiment for its new missions, the command is carrying out numerous reorganizations.
When it arrived at the Arue camp on December 9, 1963, the regiment kept its three battalions. Two are assigned to works, they will merge in April 1964, and a last one is assigned to services. On April 30, 1964 for the celebration of Camerone, the 5th RMP receives its new insignia which recalls its original location, its membership of the Legion, the Engineers and its establishment in Polynesia. On June 27, the companies receive their pennants, the reverse of which commemorates a company of the former 5e REI.
During the years 1963-64, the 5th RMP built the roads of Tefaana and the "master worker Launay" in the Ahonu valley, launched the Fare Ute floating bridge, raised river dikes and fought fires in the Fare Rau Ape mountain on the island of Tahiti.
On January 15, 1965, the regiment reorganized by eliminating the battalions. The command post of the regiment, the rear base, an equipment company, the 1st support company and the 2nd works company remain in Tahiti. The 2nd support company, the 1st works company less two sections which are on the atoll of Mururoa with the 3rd support company move on Hao.
Between 1965 and 1968 the regiment incorporates within it the direction of the works of the Engineers and that of the Equipment of the CEP. Placed under the command of a colonel of engineers, the regiment becomes a combined arms unit. Personnel from the army, equipment and naval troops are assigned to the regiment and 400 Polynesian civilians come to reinforce its workforce. A command and services company is created. In addition, all personnel of the 5th RMP de Hao are grouped into a single element commanded by a senior officer of the regiment.
In August 1965, the installation of peripheral stations whose mission was to observe the weather and for some, radioactivity, were protected by detachments from the 5th RMP. These stations supplement the meteorological data essential to the execution of the atmospheric nuclear firings carried out at the time on the Mururoa site, obtained by the buildings and aircraft of the navy. On January 1, 1971, the merger of the three local construction services, land, air, sea, led to the substitution within the 5th RMP, for the direction of engineering works, of a single direction which took the name of direction of the infrastructure of armies in Polynesia and the CEP.
The 5th RMP carries out land, sea and air infrastructure installation works for the armies. It provides support, management and repairs to vehicles and engineer vehicles for the army, navy, air force and common services. It operates power plants in Papeete, Hao, Mururoa and freshwater production facilities in Hao, Mururoa and Fangataufa. Finally, it deals with all the problems related to the command, equipment and support of the outlying posts of Tureia, Raivavae, Anda, Mangareva, Atuoana, Hirueru, Réao.
Regrouped in Mururoa on January 5, 1976, the 5th RMP penetrated straight into the "great secret", that is to say on the site of French nuclear experiments. It provides ground support and protection for the joint base and the CEP. On January 7, it is the flag's turn to set foot on the atoll. The transfer took place under the responsibility of a Legion officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Chevallier. This decade corresponds to the period of expansion of the regiment. In February, the end of the aerial experiments caused the dissolution of Hao's support company. The underground experiments that continue on Mururoa are the subject of important work. During these years, the Tonkin regiment, although mobilized for the CEP, invested in the benefit of the Territory. In 1977, he removed the Gambier Islands scrapyard and repaired the Otepa road. Reconnecting with the "Engineering-Legion" tandem already implemented in Indochina, the regiment shows its versatility.
The 5th RE:5th foreign regiment.
On July 2, 1984, the 5th RMP took its name from the 5th foreign regiment. From 1986, the regiment served on the Territory of Polynesia for the benefit of the populations within the framework of cooperation agreements. Il intervient sur les sites de Wallis-et-Futuna en 1986 et 1987 et au royaume de Alo et Sigave en 1987 et 1988. Il exécute des remblaiements pour les ouvrages de défense du littoral à Utufu, Malefo’ou, Walmalau, Kolopopo et Tees, restructure et automatise le poste d’observation météo de Tureia en 1986 et reconstruit la digue du port de Hakahau dans les îles Marquises en 1988.
Le régiment prête également son concours pour la mise aux normes « ATR 42 » des pistes d’aviation de Hiva Oa, en 1988 et 1989 et de Ruturu en 1990 et 1991. Enfin, durant cette période, le régiment participe aux réfections des routes, à l’extraction et au concassage d’agrégats, à des opérations de maintien de l’ordre et à la construction de hangars pour les coopératives locales. Le 5e RE renforce le soubassement du Whalf d’Halalo, ouvre une piste à Lavegahau et Haatofo, terrasse l’emplacement de l’hôpital de Alo et des terrains de sport pour chaque village, dynamite les passes de Vele, Alofi, Taua, Ono Tuatafa, Kolia, Tavai et Sigave, construit un complexe omnisports à Mangareva en 1993, un aérodrome à Takume en 1994 et 1995), la piste de Ahe de 1995 à 1996, l’aérodrome de Hikueru de 1996 à 1999 et participe à la réfection et l’élargissement de la route principale sur l’atoll de Takapoto pendant l’été 1999.
À l’annonce de la reprise des tirs nucléaires par le président de la République, le 5e RE se prépare à intervenir. Fin juin les légionnaires accueillent une compagnie du 8e régiment de parachutistes d’infanterie de marine, venue en renfort pour sécuriser l’aéroport de Faa’a.
Trois bateaux de l’organisation Greenpeace sont repérés dans le Pacifique sud. Aussitôt le plan « Nautile » est mis en place et les points sensibles sont étroitement gardés. Le 6 juillet, les navires Rainbow Warrior II, Véga et Bifrost s’approchent des eaux territoriales. Les groupes d’intervention rapide (GIR) embarquent à bord du remorqueur Rari. Trois jours plus tard, les GIR interceptent quatre zodiacs de l’organisation pacifiste, navigant vers l’atoll. Durant quinze jours, les compagnies organisent des ratissages de l’atoll à la recherche des membres de Greenpace. Au mois d’août, le plan « Nautile » se renforce. Dans la nuit du 3[Quoi ?], deux groupes de Zodiacs pénètrent dans le lagon. Ils sont interceptés avant d’atteindre leurs objectifs et expulsés par les autorités. Cette dernière tentative ayant échoué, l’association médiatico-écologiste est appréhendée et immobilisée sur l’atoll de Hao. Ils ne sont autorisés à reprendre la mer qu’au mois de mars 1996, à la fin de la campagne de tirs.
La fin des expérimentations nucléaires françaises signifie la disparition programmée du régiment. Depuis mars 1997, fin de la dernière campagne de tirs, le régiment s’installe à Hao à 900 km de Tahiti. Le régiment reprend vocation « Génie ». Après avoir été placé sous les ordres du général directeur des centres d’expérimentations nucléaires (DIRCEN), il passe le 1er août 1998 sous la subordination du commandement supérieur de Polynésie française (COM SUP)au sein des forces de souveraineté.
Le régiment compte alors 250 hommes répartis en deux compagnies. La compagnie de commandement de base et de soutien, (CCBS) forte de 105 hommes regroupe tous les services nécessaires à la bonne marche du régiment :état-major, bureau opérations, gestion des ressources humaines, services administratifs et services techniques. Certaines fonctions font appel à la participation d’entreprises civiles de sous-traitance. La compagnie de travaux, (CT) fer de lance du régiment avec ses 145 hommes, est organisée en quatre sections de combat et de travaux et une section équipement où sont regroupés les engins de travaux publics spécifiques. Elle compte également une section de casernement et assure les opérations de transbordement maritime avec sa section transit-mer.
Le 5e RE participe au développement de la Polynésie et, par convention entre l’État-Défense et le Territoire, le régiment réalise des missions à son profit. Le chantier type consiste à réaliser des pistes d’aviation pour désenclaver les atolls les plus isolés. Ces chantiers sont désignés sous le vocable « chantier de coopération ». .
Enfin, le 5e RE peut intervenir au profit des forces de souveraineté. Cette mission comprend deux volets :la participation aux exercices, manœuvres et tournées de présence, organisées par le COM.SUP et l’intervention au profit des populations en cas de calamité naturelle. Néanmoins, la fin des essais nucléaires et la restructuration des armées signent la fin du régiment. Ses compagnies sont mises en sommeil les unes après les autres et bientôt, la dissolution du régiment est programmée pour juillet 2000. Le 23 septembre 2000, le lieutenant-colonel Arnault, dernier chef de corps, ramène à la « Maison Mère » le drapeau du régiment qui rejoint ses illustres prédécesseurs dans la crypte du musée de la Légion étrangère à Aubagne.
Les sites de Mururoa et de Fangataufa sont à présent rendus à la nature, mais ils demeurent des domaines militaires et leur accès en est strictement contrôlé. Des unités tournantes maintiennent sur Muruoa une section de 25 hommes (généralement des légionnaires) chargée de surveiller les sites. Les sections se relèvent tous les quatre mois. Elles assurent également l’entretien des installations de télémesures contrôlant la qualité de l’environnement
Le risque de contamination des personnels civils et militaires dû aux essais est reconnu en mars 2009 par le Ministère de la Défense1.
Traditions
Fêtes du 5e RE :
Le 4 décembre est fêtée Sainte Barbe, la sainte patronne des unités de génie.
La fête de Camerone, le 30 avril, est la véritable fête des légionnaires.
Noël est la fête de la famille « légionnaire »
Currency
1er bataillon du 5e régiment étranger d’infanterie :Primus Inter Pares (Premier partout)
3e bataillon du 5e régiment étranger d’infanterie :Ne crains rien
Flag
Inscriptions contenues dans les plis de son Drapeau :
CAMERONE 1863
SONTAY 1883
BAC NINH 1884
TUYEN-QUANG 1885
LANGSON 1885
INDOCHINE 1945-1946, 1949-1954
AFN 1952-19624.
Singing
I
Vaillants guerriers de ce Régiment
Vous qui luttiez si superbement
En maintenant dans la tourmente
L’Honneur et la Fidélité
Vos successeurs ont serré les rangs
Donné leur cœur et versé leur sang
En combattant sans épouvante
Pour le 5e Étranger
Refrain
Le front haut et l’âme fière
Marchant du pas de nos anciens
Nous suivons dans la poussière
Un glorieux chemin
La boue sombre des rizières
Scella notre destin
Donnant ce nom qui sonne clair
Régiment du TONKIN
II
Toujours plus haut flotte fièrement
Le beau drapeau de ce Régiment
Jetant au vent notre devise
D’Honneur et de Fidélité
Et sans l’écrin des plis glorieux
Tout le TONKIN revit à nos yeux
En le voyant que chacun dise
C’est le 5e Étranger
Decorations
Fourragère aux couleurs de la croix de guerre des TOE
À sa cravate sont épinglées :
la croix de guerre 1939 1945 avec une citation à l’ordre de l’armée
la croix de guerre des TOE avec deux citations à l’ordre de l’armée
Chefs de corps
Personnalités ayant servi au sein du régiment
Chef de bataillon Magrin-Vernerey (futur Monclar) - de 1933 à 1937.
Lieutenant Chenel - de 1941 à 1947, chef du détachement fantôme (quittera le service comme général)
Colonel Alessandri chef de corps 1941 chef de la colonne éponyme 1945 - Quittera le service comme général
Colonel Henri Dufour, commandant le 3/5 - 1951-952 -, futur chef de corps du 1er REP
Colonel Andolenko, officier à titre étranger, saint-cyrien promotion du RIF