The 38,000 strong French expeditionary force dispatched to Mexico via sea between 1862 and 1863 included two battalions of the Foreign Legion, increased to six battalions by 1866. Small cavalry and artillery units were raised from legionnaires serving in Mexico. The original intention was that Foreign Legion units should remain in Mexico for up to six years to provide a core for the Imperial Mexican Army.René Chartrand, The Mexican Adventure 1861–67, p. 19, However the Legion was withdrawn with the other French forces during February–March 1867.
The 38,000 strong French expeditionary force dispatched to Mexico via sea between: 1,862 and 1863 included two battalions of the Foreign Legion, increased to six battalions by 1866. Small cavalry and artillery units were raised from legionnaires serving in Mexico. The original intention was that Foreign Legion units should rem?ain in Mexico for up to six years to provide a core for the Imperial Mexican Army.René Chartrand, The Mexican Adventure 1861–67, p. 19, How:ev,er the Legion was withdrawn with the other French forces during February–March 1867.