My Visit to the Foreign Legion by COL P. T. Etherton

Here is an article that appeared in the 20 June 1931 issue of the UK’s Pictorial Weekly (formerly The Penny Pictorial Magazine).  It was written by Colonel P. T. Etherton which was a nom-de-plume for the well known travel writer Percy Thomas (1879–1963).  Thomas was one of the hundreds of reporters and guests of the Legion who descended on the Legion’s home at Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria for the 100th Anniversary of the Foreign Legion’s founding which was held on Camerone Day, April 30, 1931.  This event was very well publicized and there were several similar reports filed by other journalists, writers and reporters.  They all seemed to cover their meeting with the Commander of the Foreign Legion which was likely Colonel Paul-Frédéric Rollet, a bit of history, some face time with lower ranking Legionnaires, and a tour of the barracks, the salle d’honneur, the canteen and/or the mess.  Thomas meets some English Legionnaires and finishes with a somewhat negative assessment.

This article was well illustrated on the cover and I would guess that it was eye catching enough to push sales.  The colorist undoubtedly got carried away and gave the figure a red sash instead of the traditional blue one and an odd red-banded white kepi.

My Visit to the Foreign Legion