Symbols, Traditions
and the Commando Legacy
Beyond tactics and combat, the French commandos developed a set of symbols and traditions that nurtured their cohesion and identity: the green beret, insignia, and mottos. Borrowed from the British model but reclaimed by the Free French, these markers are an essential part of their legacy.
The Green Berets
From 1942, French commandos integrated into British units adopted British commando symbolism. The most visible was the green beret, adopted in autumn 1942, replacing the caps and berets of the early months.
Insignia Cdt Philippe Kieffer
© Collection Famille Kieffer
Cross of Lorraine Patch
Unit Insignia
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"France" Shoulder Patch: Sewn onto the uniform.
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"Commando" and Unit Number Titles: Indicating their specific commando unit.
1st BFMC Badge: The official insignia of the 1st Bataillon de Fusiliers-Marins Commandos (1st BFMC).
1st BFMC Badge
1st BFMC Badge
© Family Kieffer Collection
Universal Symbols of the Commandos
The Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife, alongside the green beret, is the most widespread symbol of commando units, shared by the French and their Allies. It appears on the 1st BFMC badge and the Combined Operations badge from late 1944 to early 1945.
Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife © Collection Famille Kieffer
A Living Legacy: Between Traditions and National Memory
After the war, these traditions did not fade away. They continue within the Commando Marine units, created in 1947, which adopted the green beret, the commando dagger, and certain practices inherited from Free France. Today’s commandos explicitly claim the legacy of Kieffer and his men through this symbolism.
Public memory also plays a decisive role in this legacy. Long overlooked, the 1st BFMC/Kieffer Commando has gradually become a national symbol, particularly through D-Day commemorations. The memorial sites in Normandy, in particular, perpetuate the memory of these men and their battles, ensuring their story endures as a proud chapter in France’s military history.
Call for Testimonies
The Association des Familles de Commandos de la France Libre works to restore the full history of these men, beyond just June 6, 1944. Testimonies and family archives help keep alive the memory of all the men who served in the unit between 1942 and 1945.
If you have stories, documents, or memories to share, please contact us. Your contribution is invaluable in preserving their legacy.
Family Kieffer Collection ©