Goums were light infantry units, which occasionally comprised some cavalry elements.

They were created in Morocco at the beginning of the 20th century. Goum-men mostly originated from mountainous regions.
Goums were made up of native troops under mixed command. Their strength was roughly that of a company. Higher up the ladder, were tabors. These were bigger units, which comprised 3 to 4 goums, representing a complete batalion of 500 to 800 goum-men.

These highly resistant troops, renowned for their fighting spirit and their disregard for danger, took part in several wars, notably the Rif war, the Second World War and the Indochina War.

They used to operate generally on hilly and difficult terrain, where their outstanding agility, strength and courage, made them a dreadful force and earned them the admiration of many. During the Italian and Alsace campaigns of World War II, their exploits and efficiency were exemplary, even though they incurred extremely heavy losses: over 8 000 men were put out of action…

In 1956, consequent upon the independence of Morocco, the goums under French command were dissolved. These units used to be commanded by Moroccan officers from the French Army alongside a few volunteer young French officers.

18 juin 1945 - Paris - Les Tabors marocains défilent
devant le sultan du Maroc et le général de Gaulle
ECPAD

Tabor flags are presently kept by the historical department of the French army, while goum pennants, after half a century of existence marked by mystery and glory, have been put on exhibition at Musée de l’Infanterie de Montpellier (Montpellier infantry museum).

Peinture à l’huile sur bois exécutée en 1939 au
3ème goum saharien par un ami de régiment du
Maréchal des Logis Jean GALEA. Collection personnelle