Figure 1.--This postcard depicts three Tirailleur malgaches (Malagasy riflemen) with their wives and a child. The phtograph was probably taken about 1910. This followed the established pattern of the Senegalese Tirailleurs, becoming part of the colonial French Armed Forces.

Madagascar was one of the last colonies added to the French Empire (1896). As was the case in other French colonies, French authorities as in other colonies organized a local security force, recruiting Malagasy troops. This followed the established pattern of the Senegalese Tirailleurs, becoming part of the colonial French Armed Forces. There were three regiments in service by 1905, located at Tananarive, Tamatave and Diego Suarez. This was meant to be essentially a colonial security force. The Tirailleurs malgaches wore the same dark blue or khaki uniforms that the Tirailleurs senegalais which was the initial French colonial force. The only difference was TM collar patches rather TS. With the World War I emergency, Governor General Hubert Garbit began the mobilizations of the Malagasy population. The first unit was transported to France (October 1915). Five other groups followed (1916). Like the Tirailleurs indochinois, the Tirailleurs malgaches battalions were initially employed behind the lines in guard, depot and factory-work assignments. We are not sure how many saw combat duty. Some 26 Malagasy battalions were organized (1916-18). Most were garrisoned at camps in Fréjus and Puget-sur-Argens in the Var, part of the French Mediterranean coast. As a result of the huge casualties. the Malagasy units were gradually placed in combat roles. A total of Malagasys served in the French Army, some 41,355 eventually served in combat roles. Thee were 10,000-15,000 assigned to heavy artillery regiments. A total of 3,101 Malagasys were killed or missing and 1,835 injured. The disparity here is unexplained. Usually more soldiers are injured than killed. They Malagasy units were for the most part dissolved and returned to Madagascar after the War (1918-19). The Malagasy tirailleurs units were predesignated marine (navy) units as the 1st and 2nd regiments mixte de Madagascar -- RMM (1926). French authorities on Madagascar during World War II declared loyalty to Vichy after the German invasion and occupation (1940). French colonial officials in Africa and other colonies remained loyal in part because it looked by the Axis might win the War. The Japanese Kido Butai foray into the Indian Ocean showed the threat (March-April 1942). The Ameican naval victory at Midway reduced the danger (June 1942). Madagascar became imprtant sdtragucally, because American and British supplies for the Desert Amy in Egypt and to go around Cape Horn and into the Indian Ocean. The British invaded (November 1942), The Malagasy units participated in a prolonged Vichy defense. As a result, they were disbanded by the British. They were reformed by the French after the War (1946). The RMM were merged with the main Troupes de Marine, losing any Malagasy identity (1957). After a few years as part of the French Community, Madagascar opted for independence (1960).

Created: 5:22 AM 8/25/2024
Last updated: 5:22 AM 8/25/2024