Paul Lacombe de La Tour [SEP] conflict
Paul Lacombe de La Tour
Paul Lacombe de La Tour was a French army officer who served from 1910 to 1940 through both World War I and World War II. He eventually rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel and led the 97th Reconnaissance Group of the Infantry Division into combat during the Battle of France. La Tour was killed in action while commanding a rear guard action which was covering the withdrawal of the 7th North African Infantry Division across the Oise River.
Early life and World War I.
La Tour entered
was again transferred on February 3, 1940, to Bizerte also in northern Tunisia. On February 3, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Lacombe de La Tour was placed in command of the 97th Reconnaissance Group. On March 21, 1940, the 97th GRDI arrived at Marseilles and by March 24 the unit was transferred to Carcassonne where it was attached to the 16th Cavalry Division.
The 97th GRDI was sent to Camp Valdahon in Doubs on April 23, 1940, but its stay there was interrupted by the German offensive. On May 17