The Light Infantry Battalions of Africa (BILA), more known by their nicknames of Bat d'Af ’ were units of the French army.
Contrary to popular belief, these are not disciplinary units in the strict sense. They nevertheless welcomed into their ranks young men already sentenced in civilian life, when they were to do their military service, and sanctioned soldiers, after their passage in disciplinary companies. However, it is clear that there was a much stronger discipline there than in the other units of the army. Initially, the soldiers of the 1st BILA are the Flore, those of the 2nd Zéphyr, those of the 3rd Chardonnet, then the nickname of Joyeux is essential for all, although we still glimpse that of Zéphyr.
The soldiers of the BILA having distinguished themselves on February 6, 1840 at the Battle of Mazagran, this day becomes the feast of the BILA.
1st African Light Infantry Battalion
Created by ordinance of June 13, 1832, stationed in Mostaganem, in Oran then in Tataouine after 1932. It disappeared in 1940, to reappear in September 1948.
2nd African Light Infantry Battalion
Created by ordinance of June 13, 1832, stationed in Bougie. It was dissolved in 1927, the Rif war ended.
3rd African Light Infantry Battalion
Created in 1857 and stationed in Bône then in Tataouine. It was dissolved in 1932, and was not reborn until 1951. It moved to Fort Flatters in 1960, and to Reggane in 1963. It became the 3rd African Light Infantry Company (CILA) in the 1960s, moved to Mers el Kébir in 1967 and was finally dissolved on March 31, 1972 in Obock.
4th African Light Infantry Battalion
Created in May 1888 and stationed in Gabès. It was dissolved in 1927, the Rif war ended.
5th African Light Infantry Battalion
Created in May 1888 and stationed in Gabès. It was dissolved in 1925.
24th African Battalion
It will know a brief existence between October 1939 and August 7, 1940, date of its dissolution.
Flag
On the flag received by the African battalions in 1950 are the following battles:Mazagran 1840, Maison du Passeur 1914, Verdun 1916, Reims 1918, La Suippe 1918.