French 2e RPIMa / RPC Commando Paratrooper Regiment Flag

The official regiment flag (le drapeau) of the French 2e RPIMa (formerly the 2e RPC) is a symbol of the rich and battle-ready history of this elite paratrooper regiment.

Official Characteristics and Symbolism of the Regiment

When looking at the historical and official background of the flag and the traditions of the 2e Régiment de Parachutistes d'Infanterie de Marine (2e RPIMa), the following elements stand out:

• The Inscriptions (Golden Letters): In the folds of the official flag, the major French military campaigns in which the regiment (and its predecessors, the 2e BCCP / 2e RPC) distinguished itself are traditionally embroidered:
  • Indochine 1947-1953
  • Port-Saïd 1956 (Suez Crisis)
  • Afrique du Nord 1952-1962 (AFN)
• Awards and Decorations: The flag is decorated with the Croix de guerre des Théâtres d'opérations extérieures (TOE) with four palms. As a result, the personnel wear the corresponding red-and-blue lanyard (fourragère).
• The SAS Heritage and the Regiment Badge: Although the direct operational SAS lineage primarily belongs to the 1e RPIMa, the 2e RPIMa retains a deep historical claim to the traditions of the Free French SAS from World War II. This is directly visible in their emblem (designed by Colonel Château-Jobert, alias "Conan"):
  • A white parachute with golden lines.
  • The wings of the Egyptian scarab, a direct reference to the British SAS concept and the desert campaigns.
  • A downward-pointing commando dagger.
  • The golden anchor of the Troupes de Marine (French marine light infantry).
• The Regiment Mottos: Today, the regiment uses the powerful motto "Ne pas subir" ("Do not suffer" / "Do not submit"), while the dagger in the emblem often recalls the classic SAS motto "Qui ose gagne"(Who Dares Wins).