Youcef Ben Brahim was born in the Yousfi tribe of the Hassasna high plateau in the Saïda region, situated in the west of Algeria.

As from 1954, when the war broke out, he was serving the rebellion in delivering arms, munitions, medicines and funds from Morocco to the various underground movements that had been formed on Algerian soil.

But in 1958, he decided to stop this activity due to disagreement between him and the Moroccan F.L.N. leaders. He was consequently denounced, arrested by the French army, and detained at the Transit Centre in Saïda.

At the same period, Captain Georges Grillot was trying to recruit rebel prisoners or followers to form an attack commando which came to be known as “Commando Georges”, with motto being “Cast away misery”.
Youcef Ben Brahim accepted to join the commando and to put

is experience and inside knowledge of rebel structures at the service of the French army. From then on, he showed unfailing loyalty towards France. Together with Captain Grillot, they formed an awfully efficient pair in piloting this special anti-guerrilla unit whose strength stood at over two hundred volunteer servicemen, organized into several katiba, which in turn comprised small units of about a dozen well-armed men.
Youcef Ben Brahim proved to be a real energetic leader and a combatant most dreaded by the rebel organization, which suffered huge losses from him. According to Colonel Bigeard, his results were simply “fantastic”.

In 1962, with the independence of Algeria, Youcef Ben Brahim decided to leave his native land and settle in France. He was received in the Luberon and devoted himself to receiving and providing assistance to his brothers in arms who, like him, were able or chose to leave Algeria, before it became too late.

The Commando Georges saga witnessed Youcef Ben Brahim win promotion to the rank of second lieutenant. He is knight of the Legion of Honour as well as holder of the military medal and the cross of military valour with eight commendations, including three in the Army order.