72nd Infantry Regiment (France)

The 72nd Infantry Regiment (French: 72e Régiment d'Infanterie) was a French infantry regiment that existed under various forms and during different periods of French military history. Its history spans from the French Revolution to the post-World War II era.

The regiment traces its origins back to units formed during the French Revolution. Throughout the 19th century, it participated in several significant conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and the Franco-Prussian War. During these conflicts, the regiment distinguished itself in numerous battles, earning honors and citations.

During World War I, the 72nd Infantry Regiment served on the Western Front, enduring the brutal trench warfare that characterized the conflict. They participated in major battles such as Verdun and the Somme, sustaining heavy casualties. Their contributions to the war effort earned them further recognition for courage and resilience.

In the interwar period, the regiment remained part of the French Army. With the outbreak of World War II and the invasion of France in 1940, the 72nd Infantry Regiment was once again mobilized. It participated in the defense of France against the German advance, but like much of the French Army, was overwhelmed by the speed and force of the Blitzkrieg.

Following the armistice of 1940, the 72nd Infantry Regiment was disbanded as part of the restructuring of the French Army under the Vichy regime. After the liberation of France, efforts were made to reorganize the French military. While some units were revived and re-established, the 72nd Infantry Regiment, as an independent entity, was not. Its legacy, however, is remembered in the broader history of the French Army. Details on successor units or affiliations after World War II require further research.