24th Army Corps (France)

The 24th Army Corps () was a formation of the French Army that served during the Franco-Prussian War and World War II. During the Battle of France in May 1940, it was initially stationed in the Fortified Sector of la Crusnes as part of the Third Army.

History

The corps was originally formed in December 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. It was re-established in December 1939 during the Phony War.

World War II (1940)

In early May 1940, the 24th Army Corps, commanded by General Fougère, replaced the 21st Corps in the Fortified Sector of la Crusnes. Following the German breakthrough, the corps was redeployed and attached to the Seventh Army on 5 June 1940. It participated in the defensive battles on the Somme and the subsequent retreat until its dissolution in July 1940.

Organizational and Mobilization Structure

The operational capability of the 24th Army Corps was largely defined by its role as a mobilization frame for Série B formations, such as the 51st Infantry Division. Compared to active corps, Série B units consisted of older reservists and often faced shortages in modern anti-tank weaponry and motorized transport, which necessitated a strictly defensive employment within the tactical framework of the Maginot Line sectors.

The corps' operational framework relied on the four functional pillars of the Corps Troops (Éléments Organiques de Corps d'Armée - EOCA):

• Infantry and Protection (Infanterie et Protection): The 624th Pioneer Regiment (624e Régiment de Pionniers) provided the necessary labor for fortifying defensive positions and securing the corps' rear area.
• Artillery and Logistics (Artillerie et Train): Heavy motorized firepower was provided by the 124th Heavy Motorized Artillery Regiment (124e RALTr), equipped with 105mm L and 155mm GPF guns, supported by the 24th Artillery Park and specialized motorized transport companies.
• Engineering (Génie): Specialized Sapper-Miner companies (124/1 & 124/2) facilitated technical defensive measures within the fortified sectors.
• Communications (Transmissions): Command and control were ensured by dedicated Telegraphic (124/81) and Radio (124/82) companies, as well as the 124/83 Pigeon Detachment.

This organization followed the French doctrine of the "Methodical Battle" (Bataille conduite), utilizing the corps as a rigid administrative and tactical anchor to coordinate the defense of the Maginot Line's gaps, specifically within the Crusnes Fortified Sector (Secteur Fortifié de la Crusnes).

Order of Battle (May 1940)

According to the records of the SHAT and contemporary mobilization documents, the corps was structured as follows at the start of the German offensive:

Corps Troops (Éléments Organiques de Corps d'Armée)

51st Infantry Division (51e Division d'Infanterie)

References

Bibliography