the unit was assumed by Captain de Guiraud, which he held until the French surrender. From June 11, 1940, to June 22, the 97th GRDI, now fighting largely as infantry, participated in continual delaying actions as part of the 7th North African Infantry Division along a path of retreat running from Luzarches to Saint-Jory-de-Chalais. On June 13, the 97th GRDI with the assistance of Moroccan tirailleurs, was able to prevent German forces from crossing the river Seine. On June 22, 1940, the Second Armistice at Compiègne was signed leading to a cessation of hostilities for the French. On September 7 the 97th Reconnaissance Group was repatriated back to Tunisia and by the months end the unit as a whole was disbanded. By the time of its disbandment, only 256 of the original 650 men were alive, the rest having been killed or captured. See also Major (France) French Foreign Legion Music Band (MLE) References External links Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division, 97th Military units and formations established in 1939 Military units and formations disestablished in 1940