Sure to go to heaven... served my time in Hell....

[Chris Boonzaier]

The BILA (Bataillons d'Infanterie Légère d'Afrique) ... better known under the term "Bat' d'Af'" were the notorious French "African Light Infantary "pena"l Battalions ... too much to write up here, but a Wikipedia Page awaits...

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battalions_of_Light_Infantry_of_Africa

 

About the harshest service conditions I can imagine....

 

Here is a Silver 3rd BILA badge from the late 50s, early 60s... usually the silver are for officers....

 

[graham]

Tough gig!!!!!!!!!!

[Chris Boonzaier]

Here is an other ranks one...