55th Infantry Division (France)

The 55th Infantry Division ( 55e Division d'Infanterie or 55e DI) was a French infantry division that existed during World War II. Formed in 1939 as a reserve division (Type A), it was primarily composed of older reservists.

During the Battle of France in May-June 1940, the 55th DI was assigned to the Second Army and deployed in the Ardennes sector, considered a quiet front. It was positioned along the Meuse River near Sedan.

The division's performance was poor during the German offensive. Due to a combination of factors, including inadequate training, low morale amongst its reservist troops, and the shock of the German blitzkrieg tactics (particularly the extensive use of dive bombers), the 55th DI collapsed under pressure from the German XIX Panzer Corps. Its units broke and fled, creating a gap in the French lines that the Germans exploited to great effect, leading to the breakthrough at Sedan and ultimately contributing significantly to the defeat of France.

The division was dissolved following the Armistice of 22 June 1940. Its disastrous performance made it a symbol of the weaknesses within the French army at the time and a focus for postwar analysis of the reasons for France's swift defeat.