40th anniversary of Col Érulin’s death

[Joseph Cosgrove]

(...) Cne Michel commanded 1re Cie (...)

Although we were never on first name terms, I did serve under the Col Poulet Michel in the REP.

 

[Rapace]

Although we were never on first name terms, I did serve under the Col Poulet Michel in the REP.

Yes of course, Michel was his Christian name and Poulet his surname... I corrected my post. Although better than if I had called him Cne “Michou”...

 

[Pink Floyd]

Although we were never on first name terms, I did serve under the Col Poulet Michel in the REP.

Poulet and most of 2REP were deployed outer mer (Sarajevo?) in May 1994. Colonel Tomatis (2nd in command) signed my certificate in his office a day before my departure to Aubagne. He shook my hand, we had a good chat.

 

[Sarajevo1992]

Correct, he’s the one with the glasses. Cne Michel Poulet commanded 1re Cie during the Kolwezi operation. He commanded 2e REP in 1992-94. He became a general and passed away in 2006, aged 57.

He was CO in Sarajevo 92/93 when I was attached to them as a signal specialist. He told us that we had to behave like French, so salut senior NCO's and officers (in Holland you don't have to salute) and don't question anything otherwise we would be slapped around like they would do with one of their own. Good thing was we were allowed like the legionnaires to drink all day.

 

[mark wake]

A future Chef de Corps (Poulet) is standing left of Erulin

My old company commander. He didn’t really see eye to eye with the Brits. Can’t blame him really we were a troublesome lot! although after Kolwezi he did give the nod on me going on the corporals course. One of the fittest officers in the Legion I knew. Surprised he died so young.

 

[Pink Floyd]

Kolwezi...

 

[Pink Floyd]

Mark Wake, you may even be in one or two of these photos

 

[mark wake]

Mark Wake, you may even be in one or two of these photos

I’m there mate. But it’s not about me, it’s about the lads I served with. Haven’t really been with it lately. I found out not so long ago another one of my comrades have left us. Caporal Richard GAREL of the 1re Cie, 3e section. He served at my side in Kolwezi. I believe my old comrade Sgt Schuster has posted a memorial to him on YouTube. If someone could get that link and post it here I would be grateful. Rest In Peace Richard. My friend and comrade.

 

[Joseph Cosgrove]

If someone could get that link and post it here

Done mate, may he Rest in Peace,

 

[mark wake]

Done mate, may he Rest in Peace,

Thank you Joseph.