Operation Leopard (1980) - full transcript
In May 1978, the mining town of Kolwezi in Katanga, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo, the former Belgian Congo) is under attack from a group of communist guerillas coming from nearby...
7,000 km from France:
Zaire. Former Belgian Congo.
Flanked to the west, by Angola
and south, Zambia.
Independent since 1960,
Zaïre is 5 times the size of France.
Capital :Kinshasa.
1500 km to the south,
in the "copper belt",
one of the biggest mines:
Kolwezi.
Don't worry, you'll do it!
Oh, Delbart!
- Do you want some r&r for your last day?
- Now is the time!
No more no less !
Do not cheat!
He is not a former stationmaster!
He's an ex-soldier! Climb up!
You know ?
I did not do my service!
Anyway, the army,
I didn't like it so much!
- Hello...
- Hello !
Have you ever driven one?
Yes, in management training in Lubumbashi,
but not so big.
The layout is the same, except that
this one takes 10 tons each time
then inevitably, when you tip,
it's a little shaky.
When did you arrive?
In Kolwezi, today.
In Lubumbashi, a month ago.
Good, come on!
Where are you from ?
- Sarreguemines.
- Is there more work in Lorraine?
Well, I was an industrial designer
there, then ... unemployed for a year
Yes that, of course,
it's a good reason to come here!
Besides, I'm single,
so they put me in the hotel!
- Good luck, good luck!
- Hello !
Oh, I forgot!
For greasing,
check it yourself, because ...
here is a bit of poetry ...
it's Africa, eh!
I almost forgot, come to Debruyn's,
tonight. We'll celebrate my leaving
- That way, we will also celebrate your arrival.
- All right, all right.
Good evening.
My name is Damrémont,
Philippe Damrémont.
I was invited by Mr. Delbart.
Is...
could you announce my arrival, please?
- I will tell Madame.
- Thank you.
Would you like one?
Yes, I would, thank you.
- Hi!
- Hi!
It's a really bad signal tonight!
- As long as it's not like that tomorrow!
- Because of the cup final?
- Who's your favourite?
- I'm from Lorraine, so ...
I see ! Me, I'm betting on Nice.
But with Platini, Nancy have a chance!
I hope so!
Good evening, I'm Annie Debruyn.
But do not stand there, come on.
We were waiting for you.
Eh?
Don't stand out here
all night, huh?
I'm coming, Mum
- You know everyone?
- No, I do not think so, madam.
I will introduce them.
- Mr. Damrémont.
- Nice to meet you!
- Sir, delighted.
- Are you replacing Delbart?
- Yes I am.
- Well done!
Come.
It's very hot, huh?
There are a few for the air conditioning.
Don't you want to take off your jacket?
Thank you, ma'am, I'm fine.
I will introduce you to my husband.
Darling ?
- So, you are from Lorraine?
- Yes that's me.
- This is Dr. Bia Kombo.
- Ah!
Lorraine, Lorraine ...
but what is Lorraine ?
I hope you have
your liberation front?
And then, do not tell me
that you are French,
it's old fashioned!
You're in luck arriving this year.
Because last year at the same time,
we had the Katangans at our backs.
We were scared! But that's
not too bad, despite everything.
But since then, in Zaire all
weapons are confiscated.
We can't even go hunting.
Our house engineer, Mike Hogey
and his wife Lindel.
- Hogey?
- A foolish American!
Oh! That coming from a Belgian!
- Hi!
- Good evening!
- What did you think?
- What, the mine? It's good.
I don't care about mines
I'm asking about my dancing!
It's very good too.
You don't know anything about it!
He dances terribly!
You want some champagne or red wine?
No, I would prefer a beer.
What do you know about the country?
Well ... not much.
Well, it's not complicated.
Here is Katanga.
Actually, they call it Shaba now, but ..
it does not change the problem.
The Zairians, those of the North, have
always hated people here,
the Katangese, because
they're not the same ethnicity.
So, the Katangese rebelled
and most fighters are hiding
in Angola or Zambia
sometimes the Russians
want to give them a hand.
We are happy to do our job.
By the way
What do you think of Armande?
Armande?
Oh yes, I forgot to tell you,
Armande, it's my digger!
- Is that so?
- Yours, now!
I bet he can even break
feet with his "Armande"!
- Yes!
- Elodie, my wife.
You should dance instead!
Just go!
She is "first"!
- Listen, I'm not very good at it.
- What?
Dancing.
Who is that?
- The company's doctor.
- No, the girl
Ah! Angelica?
It's my sister!
Come, I'll introduce you.
Angelica?
Mr. Damrémont.
- Good evening, delighted.
- Nice to meet you.
I'm sorry, I was a little bit ...
silly, just now.
No probs!
I did some manual work
to pay for my studies, you know?
By the way, it's good, now:
"Honour to manual work"!
Angelica?
Excuse me.
Did you find someone
to take you back?
- You want me to accompany you?
- Yes.
So, before Saint-Michel,
the metro stops dead!
I fall on a little lady!
When the granny sees I am black,
she starts to push & cries:
"Wild species! Wild species!
"this is how you drive with women?"
I bare my teeth and answer:
"With us, little women
like you, we eat them, madame! "
Bia likes to play negroes!
It's his way of unwinding.
Where do you live ?
Right here.
It's the Black Paradise.
But I have my school, my students
and I live there.
All this is quite natural,
you know ?
- Who is that ?
- These are the FAZs. Zairian soldiers
- What does he want?
- Give them some money.
They don't get paid much.
Thanks boss!
You want me to take you home?
You could get lost while leaving.
Well ... goodbye, so ...
my name is Philippe.
Thank you, Philippe.
Me, I'm Angelica.
Yeah, yeah, I know...
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Yes, we hear them from here!
Oh, it must be some Zairian
who makes the java!
You surprise me
If it was the FAZ,
they would make a funny fiesta!
Don't leave, I'll see.
No doubt, my little father!
It's the Katangese!
The Tigers, yes - everywhere!
Well, well, I'll try to do my job.
I'm not sure if the guys at the
mine know what's happening in town
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
Can you take the car, please ?
It is better that you know
where this he.
Think about Delbart.
He's probably pulling face!
Shit - idiocy!
The cows!
They have already cut the phones!
Look at the airport.
They couldn't wait 24 hours
before making a mess.
Don't get upset, Pierre!
You were not so sure about that
today with a "maybe".
With a "maybe", we had a chance,
now it's "not at all"!
Ah, we look proper smart!
With all this mess on our hands
and there's nothing to eat!
- What shit!
- Go ahead, say it! You're itching to!
Yeah, what?
We are in deep shit!
What's this? It's a car
from the Military Mission.
Is that the head of the Mission?
Colonel Grasse?
What are you doing here ?
My respects, Ambassador.
Hello, Chamfort.
So you forgot we had to
be going, Chamfort and me,
with the President?
It was cancelled at the last minute
in an incomprehensible way.
I know for 30 minutes
that he had the chance.
- That's why I was waiting for you.
- What is going on?
This morning, at dawn, planes
were destroyed on the Kolwezi airfield.
And rebel troops attacked
the garrisons of the city.
Where did you get this information?
From the Zairian air force.
Its Kolwezi detachment was
able to reach Kinshasa by radio.
Did you get any more from
the staff of the Zairian forces?
No, I can't reach them General Namla!
Try again later in the day.
Your opinion, sir?
Difficult to evaluate
the rebel forces.
But if they could attack the airfield
and at the same time, enter the city,
Because they are strong
and well armed.
And, in this case, do not expect
a long organized resistance
- Zairian forces.
- I will make contact
with my Belgian and
American counterparts
before calling Paris.
What do you want?
- We are Belgian citizens.
- The boss!
He is not there.
Don't hide mercenaries and traitors.
And no weapons ... otherwise ...
There are no weapons here!
Want to see our papers?
Well...
We walked a lot ... 3 days.
We are hungry...
We are not thieves,
we are liberators.
That wasn't so bad.
It could have been worse,
if they had found that.
Why is this?
We had to leave ...
take the plane today.
- What's in there?
- Rifles and grenades!
But what do expect?
Our things! Laundry, dishes!
Don't get angry, little sister.
And above all, do not hide
soldiers,
No mercenaries, huh?
Understood?
Damien!
- Stop it, that's my kid!
But you're crazy, ain't you?
Hold on!
So?
There were no soldiers, huh?
Well ... I couldn't
know that he was there!
You clearly see?
The garden has no fence.
- You smashed my car, huh?
- Fellow?
You did not hide soldiers?
You do not, huh?
That's good ... get going.
Go!
We'll take the corpse.
God, Elodie! What is this kid
doing in the garden with these guys?
You don't want me to tie him down?
- Where are you going, now?
- Oh shit !
But give me that!
No, it's not true, this kid!
Come on, come on!
You're crazy, Pierre!
The door is still open!
What do you want to do with it?
It can still be used...
The magazine is full.
They can also
come back for it!
- Where are you from?
- A friend accompanied me. Come and help me!
- What is this?
- The electricity has been cut!
Shit!
It's heavy like a dead donkey, that thing!
What's in there?
Rice
I know, sir! Rice is not
food for Europeans
But you'll be glad to have it
when we have nothing else.
- We can go, yes?
- Yes.
Go down into the foyer.
Everyone evacuate the hotel!
Leave your things!
Do not take anything.
Quickly, get out!
Go down into the foyer.
What do they want, these sluts?
I didn't even finish eating!
Gather round!
Despite some pockets of resistance,
we can consider this morning, Sunday,
that Kolwezi fell, Ambassador.
Part of the Zairian forces
were pushed back to the north.
They do not seem able to reorganize
and take back control of the city.
It is always difficult to evaluate
the strength of rebel forces
but their supervision seems
competent and efficient.
I'm afraid that was right,
gentlemen.
The operation is big.
Ambassador, I don't think we should
let the rebels enter Kolwezi.
Otherwise, the 3,000 Europeans in the city
will quickly become hostages.
I know.
We must wait for Paris' decision.
- Hello, gentlemen.
- Still nothing from Kolwezi?
No nothing, Ambassador.
Nancy, thanks to a goal from Platini,
beat Nice in the cup final
and the weather is becoming
very favourable.
I fear that French opinion is hardly
prepared for an intervention of our troops.
Even if it is about saving civilians
I'll be back at noon
and I will call the Elysee.
They don't seem to have come for fun.
There's no reason for them to bother us.
We're not a part of their plan
- Do you know that I love you?
- I know.
And yet, you're not my type, eh?
You look like a little soldier,
like that!
All experiences are interesting.
You remember what we did in New York,
during the power cut
because there was no telly?
What, in broad daylight?
I'll be right back
Mercenaries! Fire!
Lindel!
Lindel!
- My respects, General.
- Hello, Colonel.
This attack doesn't surprise us.
For weeks, we knew
the details of the "Operation Dove".
- "Dove"?
- Tshikapa in kipendé.
Our president was warned, 48 hours ago,
by the Soviet Ambassador
so we were aware of this invasion plan.
But we were not expecting its execution
until June.
- Where are your troops now?
- Don't worry, Colonel.
We are in control of the situation in
Shaba, but more precisely: Kolwezi.
Our forces are everywhere
and all European nationals
are under their protection.
Car!
I don't have a car.
My husband has it.
You!
Come & fix the car.
OK, but I warn you,
I don't know much about it
Quickly!
What does Mrs Debruyn want?
Their car is broken down.
Is that so?
Damn it. A cable is broken.
You!
Your car!
It's not working, it's broken down.
Check for yourself!
- Give me the part you removed.
- What part ?
I tell you it is broken down.
Put it back.
It's OK Do what he asks you!
I said: quickly!
Were my 3 messages
sent yesterday received?
They were. And I can tell you
that the President
personally looked into the case.
Please specify to the President
that it is
a major military operation
whose goal is to seize
Shaba Province.
In Kolwezi,
despite some pockets of resistance,
the city is occupied
by thousands of men in uniforms.
Now the 3,000 Europeans
who reside there
can be considered as
hostages in the hands of the rebels.
What are your suggestions?
I'll pass you over to Colonel Grasse.
It is possible to restore the situation
by an airborne operation.
Three paratroop companies
in the fastest time would do the trick.
Pierre Delbart?
It's you?
- Yes.
- Follow us!
- Where?
- To the court.
- What's this all about?
- Don't worry about that, little sister!
- Follow us immediately.
- No, Pierre, don't go!
Listen, I can't do otherwise.
Don't worry, it's probably bullshit.
- So, I'm going with you.
- You don't move from here
and you take care of the nipper.
Understood ?
Don't worry, go!
I will be back for dinner.
They arm their supporters.
These guys are civilians from Kolwezi.
There's news.
I wanted to inform you before going home.
I'm coming back to the Foreign Affairs
department right now
The Zairian government is appealing
for international aid.
- What kind of help?
- Help of any kind.
Finally!
It's Chamfort.
I asked him to go probe
the Belgians and join us here.
Without this Zairian request,
nothing was possible
What would be decisive is that the Belgians
agree to participate in an operation.
They are formally opposed
to any intervention, for now.
They plan to negotiate the evacuation of the
Europeans with the International Red Cross.
But it will not work! And that
just gives the rebels more time.
Take him away!
I didn't do anything! Get off!
I am innocent! Leave me!
- Do you work at the mine?
- Yes.
Contact the "Economy" collaboration.
Silence !
- I protest!
- Shut it!
- Are you Delbart?
- Yes.
You are accused of complicity with
the group "The Wealth of the People".
What does that mean?
You're crazy!
You know very well that it's wrong!
I work as a driver at the mine.
- I am a worker, nothing else.
- Shut up!
You are an exploiter! And for this reason,
the court sentences you to death.
Your court is a circus!
It's an assassination!
Why let this happen?
If you had power in this country,
you too would need these types
- like me
- That's enough!
The sentence is enforceable at once!
Take him away!
Commanding officer.
You know the comrade
next to the officer there?
Seiko. He worked at the mine.
It's me who employed him.
You coming?
Do you think I'm scared?
Fire!
Get going!
You can go home.
Poor old man.
What are you going to do with it?
They almost got me once,
they won't get me again.
If I have to die, I will take a
few other skins first.
Why look at me like that?
You take me for an exploiter
or a racist too?
Who's talking to you about this?
OK.
I lived in Africa
for 15 years.
And it wasn' just for my job.
I liked it.
And Africans, I loved them.
These days, I'm fed up with their...
savagery.
Yeah, I know, I say bullshit.
But it's true that I was scared.
Like never in my life.
Belgians from Kolwezi ask
Brussels for an airborne operation.
I sent a message to the Élysée.
I can only confirm that an
airborne operation on Kolwezi,
completed as soon as possible,
can unlock the situation
and save what can still
be salvaged.
I also suggest that a Franco-Belgian
operation with Zairian support
is what we think is desirable.
For my part,
I already advised General Namla
to airlift the battalion
Major Maélé's Zairian paratroopers
in Lubumbashi
and engage them by road to Kolwezi.
Listen to me, Annie!
This corner has become dangerous
with these armed civilians.
We'll take refuge at Van Zeel's.
Come with us !
I ask you once again.
And what if Marcel came back?
- Even if he wanted to,
- I don't think he can.
- Your son is right.
The Zairian PC is right ahead
and he still resists.
I hope the helicopters arrive,
they promised to evacuate the Europeans.
I took what was needed, mum.
I think it's better to go there.
I think that there is someone, by God!
I am French, open up! I don't know
where to go, I just arrived
Do not insist,
we will not open up to anyone.
Open up, I tell you
I don't know where else to go!
Bugger off!
It's not a big deal, madam.
Just heat stroke, that's all.
- Hi, old man.
- Hi.
How long will we stay?
- You promised to evacuate us.
- Calm down.
- Where are the helicopters?
- Calm!
As long as our PC, opposite holds,
you are not at risk.
You are safe under our protection.
Be patient, trust me.
We will not abandon you.
Where are you going, doctor?
Listen. I was called here
to look after a child.
Now I'm going back to the hospital.
Stay here, instead.
These people may need you.
You do not believe
in this evacuation, huh?
The helicopters ain't coming,
we know it,
but we shouldn't take away that hope.
Fair enough ... I'll stay.
Do you think we might be saved?
You, the Europeans, maybe ...
After all, your soldiers
are only 8000 km from here.
While I am in my own country.
Soldiers on the other side
of the street are ours
and I am Katangese like the rebels.
So, I wonder who will save me.
Let's count on providence, Annie ...
and think about ourselves.
We are witnessing a fire and we
ask "who holds the Extinguisher?"
I hear you General, keep me informed.
But if we do not do anything,
we will be charged with
non-assistance to those in peril.
Yes, General, in danger of death!
My respects, General.
The 2nd company of the 311th Zairian
has jumped near Kolwezi.
Stupid! Unsupervised they will
run into disaster!
It's done, they have not even
achieved their objective!
They were dropped everywhere
except on the aerodrome.
They are scattered in the countryside
Kolwezi is 20 km away.
And Major Maélé?
For now, he is following the plan
that you advised.
He left Lubumbashi with his battalion
and headed for the bridge of Lualaba.
I'll go and see.
Hey! Here they are, look!
They are surely coming for us!
But we didn't see the
helicopters arrive
The helicopters have arrived,
they have come to get us!
Get back! Don't go out!
They are Katangese!
What are you going to do?
Come on!
The revolver, quickly!
George, close the gate.
Come on!
They will kill you, too!
Are you hurt?
Are you hurt, Annie?
I ... it's nothing ...
I assure you, Georges.
It's nothing.
Try to turn over.
I need to see.
The bullet did not penetrate.
It just scuffed you.
But you might have
a broken rib.
Shit! I left my first aid kit
downstairs, if only, I ...
It's OK
Don't worry about me.
Maélé and his men could have seized
Kolwezi airfield.
- It could lead to change our plans
- Certainly not !
The aerodrome is more than 5 km
from the city.
Deploying our paras will force us
into a long and difficult advance
that will leave the rebels time
to retaliate against Europeans
or to withdraw taking hostages.
No, more than ever you must
jump to the heart of the city.
Where most of the Europeans are.
We run the risk of dropping
Paras on buildings, on trees,
- on fences, on ...
- But yes.
But we will put them in bad shape!
Do you believe that the hostages aren't
in bad shape after a few days?
- For you, Colonel.
- I understand your scruples.
There is only one tactical choice:
grasp the nettle!
Mr Ambassador ...
Some para units in France
have been alerted
since 10am this morning
Regain all your companies
in speed, we are on the alert.
So, be wise, huh?
Capito?
Frederico, this alert, you believe
how serious is this time?
It's possible.
We're ready for that, you know.
Yes of course.
But I'll call you if we leave.
And if it's just an exercise,
I will be home tomorrow.
- Okay.
- Go ahead.
Yes General.
Here, I think I can gather
all my items on time.
But I have a section at the commando stage
Montlouis that need to go back by plane.
I heard, General.
My regards.
I have legionaries in exercise
at the Vergio pass.
But I would prefer you
back by helicopter, it's safer!
Well, well,
I'm counting on you, thank you.
By 2 am I will have recovered
all my people, Colonel.
All the better, the alert is confirmed.
- And where is it for?
- I do not know.
But in the meantime, we keep
the pressure on.
Attention!
Section ready, Captain.
- Put them at ease.
- At ease!
Package divided into 2 parcels:
Package B in the vehicle
for the 2nd rotation of the planes.
According to your orders, Captain.
- Arms ?
- Checked, Captain.
Murin, Captain.
Back from Castelnaudary.
Ah! Time has passed
to what I see in Murin.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you, Captain.
I propose that Corporal Murin join
to the group leaders, Captain.
He is a good shot.
- Leave it to the FRFA instead.
- At your command, Captain.
Attention!
At ease!
It's not a drill, this alert?
The Colonel did not tell me anything,
personally!
Say, You fucked those
cuties, over there?
- And how, yeah!
- Bloody tell me!
That would make you dream, huh?
It's okay, you haven't done it.
Where can we go to,
Chief Warrant Officer?
The quiet corners are not hard to
find: Chad, Mauritania...
Lebanon, Zaire.
I must forget about it!
Zaire? It is too far.
You see us doing
8,000 km by plane?
Me? Not really.
Flying makes me puke
Then you're stupid, Why
choose the paras, then?
Well, to jump!
Even if they are not far,
they must be sleeping.
We can't hear them, anyway.
Don't go. I can wait.
I need my first aid kit, Annie.
It's got what you need for treatment.
Bia!
Georges!
It's okay now, Annie.
I got it!
But ... I can't do anything now
We'll have to wait for the day.
It's nothing ... I can wait.
You saw it, didn't you?
How is that possible ?
You must know, you.
- Those are...
- ... my brothers. Yes, Annie.
Injustice creates unreason
all over the world.
But, in Africa ...
revolt is always close by
victory and massacre ...
or then scarper
when there is more hope of overcoming.
Four hours.
How 4 hours?
It is 22:30 hours
No, four hours to join Solenzara.
Ah yes.
Without these security problems,
we were leaving Bastia ...
Yes I'm listening
No, Colonel, still nothing.
Yes, we're waiting.
Berthier, I'm listening.
I'll pass you the Élysée,
Ambassador, do not leave.
- Mr. Ambassador?
- I'm listening.
I inform you that
the President of the Republic
just warned
the head of the Zairian state
that in accordance with his request,
an airborne operation
will be undertaken by the French
in Kolwezi.
Thank you.
This is Grasse, I'm listening.
This is the Army Operational
Centre in Paris.
I officially inform you
that the principle
of an airborne operation
on Kolwezi is acquired.
Send us by Telex the tactical scheme
- and the date you are considering.
- I'll send it tonight.
You are now in command
of this operation.
I put at your disposal
the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment.
Loud and clear.
The operation will be called Leopard.
For the group...
Attention!
Regiment assembled in full.
Ready to board.
At your orders, Colonel!
Unit commanders.
Embark!
3rd Company at my command.
By section, board!
2nd section, embark!
You'll do better to stay with us.
Thank you, but I want to try
to find my friends,
to know what has become of them.
Thank you anyway.
Thank you for everything. Goodbye.
Goodbye. Good luck!
Maybe something will happen
There is no reason for us
to be abandoned like this.
Yes I hope so !
Goodbye, good luck!
Stop!
Your papers.
I have just arrived in Kolwezi.
I work as a labourer at the mine.
Lies!
- You are a French mercenary!
- What are you talking about, I ...
Quiet!
You are a mercenary.
You are all mercenaries!
- Listen, I'm a worker.
- Come on! Leave!
I said, go!
Come on, turn around ...
and leave.
- You were told to go back.
- No way
I will not go back.
And why?
Because you will never have
the courage to shoot a man
who looks you in the eyes.
Come on, go home.
Section, attention!
One step left. Left!
The last of each column
will be chore.
Turn around, right!
From behind, clear the row.
Not all planes have arrived yet.
Take the opportunity to eat
and put the weapons away.
It's going to be a mess,
this embarkation!
If you want to eat now's the time
Hey, ain't you eating?
- Cut the crap
- You're still going to puke
And without anything in your belly,
it's worse
Shut it!
Gentlemen.
Your destination is Zaire.
You will jump on Kolwezi.
You have to liberate
3,000 Europeans
of all nationalities
currently taken hostage and
threatened with being executed.
The president of the Republic, in
person, entrusts you with this mission.
Georges!
Keep me from screaming!
You know me. It won't be long.
That's it, it's over.
In a few minutes, you'll feel better.
Colonel?
This is headquarters in Paris.
Grasse here, I'm listening.
We received your communication setting
the date of the operation to Saturday.
It's too late. It must take place
tomorrow Friday at dawn.
Tomorrow at dawn?
- Out of the question!
- Yes! At dawn!
Listen: we are fighting for the
operation to take place on Saturday
in the most favourable conditions
A 24h advance would only increase
the risks we are already running.
Plus, according to my information, the 2nd
REP has not yet taken off from Solenzara.
It'll be done in one moment.
So, at best, the regiment
will reach Kinshasa at night!
How would you like in a few hours,
I assure the transfer of men
and their boarding in Zairian planes?
And Kolwezi is 1,500 km from Kinshasa!
- Four hours of flight
- Good.
- I share your reservations.
- Don't miss it!
That's Paris taking
the bit between the teeth
It's possible they have good reasons
to want to speed up the operation
but I would like to know what
Zairian Forces Staff
calling Colonel Grasse.
Chamfort, I'm listening.
I have important information
for you.
Our intelligence services
have just captured and decrypted
a message from Angola.
As you see it is signed Mbumba,
"Lieutenant-General of the rebels"
and it is addressed to "Major Mufu, Chief
Katangese troops in Kolwezi"
- Are you sure of its authenticity?
- Unfortunately, yes.
Can I rely on your planes
at 5:30, tomorrow morning?
- Naturally.
- General.
Chamfort to Gulf Romeo.
I'm leaving Namla's house.
There is news.
Try to contact urgently
Colonel Deval of the airforce
to provide us Mirages in
support tomorrow.
Tell the Ambassador that
I will take it immediately.
Done.
- What's going on ?
- The Katangese have been warned
by European radios of an
imminent raid on Kolwezi.
They are preparing to evacuate and
are sabotaging the mining facilities.
I also heard the order
to execute all their prisoners.
Katangese don't bluff
certainly not.
Paris, obviously, is surely right.
We will jump on Kolwezi
tomorrow, Friday.
It is impossible for Deval to provide
us with air support for tomorrow.
The 2 Mirages we need are ready
but he has no more ammunition.
He's hoping for Friday night.
We will jump without air support.
Inform Paris.
We will approach the jump zone
from the West.
In column formation.
We will drop at 200 meters.
Dufrez from Golf Romeo.
Colonel commanding the 2nd REP
is he on board this aircraft?
Ah. Very good.
Tell Chamfort that he's coming
to join us here with the
elements already in place.
What news from other aircraft?
The arrival of the next plane
is scheduled around 02:00 hours
I do not have exact data
for the others.
Stay in the control tower
and keep me informed.
- Good to see you!
- When do we jump?
This morning, at noon.
Takeoff scheduled at 08:00 hours
Unfortunately your regiment
will have to jump in two waves.
Other sections will arrive too late, surely.
I will take the rest of your regiment
by DC-10 transport from Air Zaire
to an airfield near Kolwezi.
- We will save time.
- Perfect.
There is one disadvantage.
The medical unit is located
in the last plane.
Worse, we'll jump
without a medical unit.
Will we have Mirage support?
No, you will have to do without that too.
All that doesn't matter.
Since the chaplain is here,
he will be able to say some prayers.
Finally, we have parachutes
You can collect them right now.
4!
5!
6!
Chief Warrant Officer!
What is it?
Shit! American ones.
Well, it's nothing.
A parachute is a parachute.
And the Americans
are no more stupid than us.
Look at how it is all loose.
- Why didn't we take ours?
- We were too busy
And stop moaning!
Chief Warrant Officer!
There is no way to attach weapons
We will be asked to hold them
between our teeth, you'll see!
Shut your mouths a bit, huh?
Listen !
With wire and string,
you are going to make a bodge
and you tie your weapons, understood?
Do it!
They're on pot, these yanks!
They jump by smoking the cigar!
I will summarize.
For the drop we have 5 Zairian planes
plus a French Transall which will
serve us as a command post.
The planes will certainly have
difficulty finding the drop zone.
But I didn't have time to ask
the rebels to mark it for us.
I also remind you that Kolwezi
is 1,500 metres above sea level.
The jump itself will be difficult
and perhaps imprecise.
The planes will drop at 200 metres
It will limit the risks for the men
The first objectives
must be reached quickly.
Even if it leads to losses.
We must force the rebels to
about-face and save their skin
before they have time
to take care of the hostages.
I also require
a very strict discipline of fire
to avoid the risk of causing losses
within the civilian population.
Gentlemen?
It will soon be time.
Get ready
On your feet!
Help your comrades there!
Have a piss and get equipped.
Go quickly !
You lot - go and piss!
Go!
Last one's a dick!
Come on, eat your arse!
Merlin!
This is the office of the
Military Attaché, I'm listening.
- This is, General Gaveau, COA.
- My respects, General.
Do you know if the 2nd REP
has already taken off?
It's 08:00h, in principle, they should've
taken off, but I have no information.
If the manoeuvre hasn't started
immediately delay it.
Well understood, I will warn
Colonel Grasse straight away
provided that it's not too late.
- Lefray?
- Yes, Captain?
Take over, I'm off to the airport.
Yes sir.
Colonel, a message for you!
COA. The operation is postponed.
Stop your engines!
- The operation is postponed.
- Whatcha mean postponed?
I don't know any more for now.
It might allow your medical unit to arrive.
Best thing is for the men to disembark
and assemble in the hangars.
No, I prefer to wait here,
near the planes. You never know.
Roger. I'm off to the Embassy
and will call Paris.
You know where my wife and son are?
No I don't know.
I had trouble coming so far, you know?
I hope they were not here
When it happened.
I escaped from the mine.
Rebels are starting to panic
and want to blow everything up
Good God!
Where did they go?
At Delbart's, maybe?
That's not possible,
it's on the other side of the city!
You are looters, stop!
You are the looters!
I am here at home!
You, outside!
Leave it to us!
We will kill him!
- We'll kill him.
- Leave it to us!
Gather round!
Yes I... Come in !
Of course.
I'll tell him about it.
What is happening, Ambassador?
Rest assured,
I just spoke to the Élysée.
The president thought
the jump was in progress.
He personally oversees the operation.
- Did you get the confirmation Telex.
- What does it mean ?
I'll call the staff.
There is surely a manoeuvre,
somewhere.
I learned that the Belgian paras
will land in Kamina tonight.
They were ordered to evacuate
the Europeans from Kolwezi
but without participating
in any military activity.
How can you evacuate a city
without firing a shot?
They're hoping the Katangese
will let them?
This is not supposed to interfere
with the French troops.
Madness!
The joint operation was possible!
Now, it's too late.
Colonel Grasse, in Kinshasa!
What is this mess?
This is the Chief of Staff of the
Armed Forces. Take off immediately.
What are they going to do?
Shoot us!
This is the Douala River.
We should reach Kolwezi in 1 hour.
Kolwezi.
I'm clearing right.
Wait, it sounds like a plane!
No, they are planes!
We just missed the jump zone.
Like that, they are warned that
we are arriving!
- Looks like they're leaving.
- What do you mean ?
The planes leave?
It's not possible!
Have you seen what's going on outside?
If the soldiers leave here,
they will kill us.
That's how it happens
in all countries of the world.
If we want to save our skin,
we must stay here!
Even if we have to fight!
Planes...
Planes!
You heard? I tell you
that they are planes!
It's them, mum! It's almost over!
We’re goint to be saved!
In position.
Go!
2!
3! 4!
5! 6! 7! 8!
Shit! Where is the PP-13?
- Where is Meunier?
- In the tree, Chief Warrant Officer!
Get down quickly!
You'll blow your nose up there!
Forward! Forward!
Move it!
Push!
We must hold the door
to keep it shut
Push! Push!
Understood. You report
many civilian corpses.
Section completed. We are under fire
- You need help ?
- No, that's fine! We will fight!
Let’s not muck about here!
- How many are they?
- 3!
Ioko! Shoot the grenade!
Attack!
Hey, look! I almost got my
balls cooked up there!
We have two armoured cars in front &
the anti-tank team isn’t here, what now?
Wait for Blue 3,
they have the equipment.
- Blue 3, I'm listening.
- Where are you?
All done!
Let’s get to the gendarmerie.
Warning, Blue 2 is blocked
by 2 armored cars.
- Join.
- Let's go. Over & out.
Sibourg!
Get ready, you have an appointment
with two armored cars!
Two?
Go on, I can't continue!
Replace me!
Go on, guys!
Don’t let them get away!
In the name of God,
do not let them get away!
Go on, guys!
the Paras are here!
Murin, get over here!
On the terrace, up there.
- Well?
- He's hiding.
Smith!
Try in the museum
Watch out!
Our security, Murin!
Get busy!
This guy made us lose
enough time. Let's go !
- So, what took you?
- Oh nothing! Don’t worry about it
Warning ! Come, come quickly!
Look out!
God's name, he's gone.
They left.
- It's ended there, they're gone.
- Is that true ?
- That's right ... right?
- Stay here !
Lie down!
Sibourg!
Ioko, get ready!
Blue 2 to Blue 3.
- Blue 2 receiving.
- We are in position
Sibourg, take your pick. We will
take the other with the rifle grenade
Attack!
I had two wounded
and you, were you injured?
One killed. Marcos.
Well, you come with us
to the gendarmerie. Come on!
Chief Warrant Officer! There are a lot of
people in there, I can hear them talking
Lieutenant
-French army !
-Do not shoot! We are prisoners
Put your hands up in the air.
You can give up.
Come on, come on.
Go ahead.
- Verdu!
- Chief Warrant Officer?
See if there are any wounded.
Move it.
Move it.
- Do you have a bandage?
- In my right pocket.
Give it to him.
Let's go children of the motherland
The day of glory
- has arrived.
- Forward!
Against us tyranny
The bloody banner is lifted
Blue to Blue 2!
- Blue receiving.
- This is Blue 2 and Blue 3.
Target achieved.
But who's singing?
The prisoners we just
delivered to the gendarmerie.
We arrived on time,
they would go there.
Congratulations, but
do not be distressed, huh?
Blue 2 stays put
to evacuate the survivors.
Blue 3 continues on Bravo,
next goal, Over & out.
It's not the 14th of July madame
Stay in your house!
It’s dangerous outside.
Bravo!
- Vive la France!
- Vive la France...
vive la France, I want...
but long live the French ...
I am Italian !
- You cover Murin.
- Well done.
I get the impression we were not expected.
Good God!
Niokolo! Take some men
with you and search the hotel.
Blue, Blue 3.
Goal achieved.
No resistance.
The guys closed the case but
- they left a gift behind them.
- Speak clearly, Blue 3.
Clearly, that means
a pile of corpses. All blacks.
Don’t ask me how many. I don’t
take the time to count.
In any case, the hotel is empty ...
Attention, Captain!
Come over here, Captain.
You can leave, there is no danger.
Thank you. Sorry, ladies.
Go through the garden,
you can take them back.
This way!
So, you shoot well for a civilian.
Well then!
For once the Legion finds
that the colo is not so bad!
Here, take this, it will be more
effective than your gun
Thank you, “Old One”!
Did you kill one, dad?
No, I missed him.
He missed, mum
The inhabitants, especially the
Europeans, are beginning to stir
despite our advice to stay at home.
Good then,
watch out for mistakes, huh?
And open fire only with certainty.
Over & out.
Bia! Why didn’t they come here?
Paras are there, I'm sure.
We heard them fighting!
But yes, for sure, they are there.
But they are not going to liberate the city
in just a few hours.
We must be on the wrong side, that's all.
I can’t take it anymore!
Think of your mother, Georges.
For her, it's worse.
Annie? I have two tablets left.
Do you want them now?
No. I can wait.
- Bia?
- Georges.
Give me your hand.
Try to sleep.
You're not on duty so rest.
Don’t worry, go.
I understand what you felt.
Shooting a man with a FR-F1,
it's a bit like ...
But you had to.
You had to do it!
I know all that. But I didn’t
think it would be so difficult.
Tell yourself it was for the
opposite side too. However...
he killed Marcos.
We are here to do it.
But war is stupid.
I would rather not have the FR-F1,
I can’t get used to it.
Nobody asks you to get used to it
only to do what you have to!
There’s a car
Beware of mistakes, do not shoot
on sight - only with certainty!
No, let it continue
Go ahead ! Show yourself
and give the order to stop.
By God!
Stop! French army !
Fire!
Chief Warrant Officer!
Blue 3 receiving.
Blue 3, are your men firing?
Affirmative. Four blokes in a car.
We got them.
Losses?
We have a slight injury.
Over & out.
What's up, my friend,
you have nothing broken.
Yet, in the lights, they would have
seen that you were like them.
It's you who see wrong,
Chief Warrant Officer.
I am not black.
I am a legionnaire.
We'll evacuate you in the medical unit.
- It’s nothing!
- Obey, Legionnaire!
Murin, do you care, huh?
This is Colonel Grasse, I just
landed on Kolwezi airfield
still held by Maélé. The Belgians
are disembarking & entering Kolwezi.
But we are still fighting
at different points of the city!
I'm going to see Colonel Maez,
the Belgian commander.
The 2nd REP is deployed in Kolwezi.
You can not interfere with their plan.
I have formal orders. Here they are.
"Establish at Kolwezi Airfield
"a reception post for
all Western nationals
"in readiness for repatriation.
"Do not participate in any way
with the French military action.
"Operation limited to 72 hours."
- 72 hours?
- I'm sorry.
But these instructions are clear
and I must respect them.
It will create panic
in the population!
We don't want to leave a ruined
town free for looters.
Do we agree on our zones of
activity to avoid interference?
When you ride to
the district of Manika ...
but do not go in,
the cleaning is in progress ...
They are well hidden these bastards!
It won’t be easy dislodging them.
Who are those rangers heading
that way?
Shit, the Belgians!
They’re going to enter the
snipers’ target area.
Cover me. I'm going to try
to intercept them.
2nd section, Fire!
French army!
Shit, stop! French army I said!
Stop, men!
What are you doing here?
This zone is not yet cleared.
Yeah, I see that.
Excuse us, but we did what we
could for 2 days, huh?
If you were planning on going in there
easily, you arrived a little too early.
Always caustic, Maurois!
Good God, De Vrint!
- What are you doing in this village?
- I didn’t expect to see you here.
- Looks like you did a good job.
- We try.
Wait, we're going to hide because
that we risk taking one there.
- Retreat on the right.
- To the right !
So, it seems that you are charged
to evacuate the Europeans?
- Yes ... those who want.
- Yes I know.
For the moment, the entry of
Belgians does not pose a problem.
Only one column has been stopped
by a sniper shot,
- Blue taking care of it.
- And Blue 3, any news?
Good God !
- Chief Warrant Officer, do you hear?
- Always talk, we'll see.
There are at least
a hundred men in uniform.
They are on the road,
they have three lorries.
Sure they’re not Belgians?
I’m not blind.
Sir, they are black.
They all seem ready to move.
What do I do ?
Nothing. Do not shoot.
They could be Zairians.
Get hidden.
Wait for the guys from "Violet"
I exhausted what I had.
I do not have anything
to cure you, Annie.
I know.
I can hold out.
If he doesn’t arrive today,
I will go out, do you hear?
Stay calm.
Calm down.
This time it's them.
It's them !
And it's for us!
They’re heading straight for us,
the fools!
Your group, in the woods.
The others, with me
- Violet from Sun.
- Violet receiving.
- Did you join Blue 3?
- Not yet.
- We are 800 meters behind.
- Good, get a wriggle on.
Apparently, Blue 3 is falling hard.
Plan "Camellia". Over.
- Blue to Violet 3.
- Violet receiving. Speak, Blue 3.
3 lorries with a hundred
rebels heading towards us.
We are in ambush position.
We will stay in the edge.
They will fall on us any minute now.
We would rather not stay here
long alone. Where are you ?
On the same road, behind you.
Give your details
for mortar support.
785,
290.
We will hang them
as soon as they go out.
They will surely break through.
There are a lot for us.
Afterwards, they’ll be for you.
- Here they are, can we fire?
- Affirmative!
Fire!
Chief Warrant Officer, Camellia.
Retreat, mortar fire!
Camellia.
Further from 200 ... 350 ...
Efficiency by 8.
Ready for the assault!
Attack!
Bleu 3 to Violet, speak.
Sergeant !
The Chief Warrant Officer is touched!
Speak, Blue 3...
Speak, Blue 3.
Sir!
- Report!
- Shit, he's dead.
Speak, Blue 3.
Speak, Blue 3!
This isBlue 3.
1 lorrydestroyed, 15 rebels killed,
hWe have suffered one loss:
Chief Warrant Officer Frederico.
Inspect this building
and watch out for the snipers.
Lieutenant, It's horrible in there!
The Legion marches
to the front
By singing we follow
Heirs of his traditions
We are with her
We are the men
assault troops
Soldiers of the old Legion
Those who want to be evacuated,
hurry up!
At least give my wife time
to take a suitcase, right?
We have orders not to evacuate
non-Europeans.
What? That’s not OK, she’s my wife
I won’t leave without her.
And my son.
Did you see my son?
Maybe I should leave him here,
according to your orders?
It's good, get all three.
And you ?
Rest assured, you will not have
to worry about me,
it's my country and I'm staying!
If I can, I'll say goodbye at the airfield.
Take care of the house, huh?
Because today, it's Berezina.
Kolwezi and surroundings
are in our hands.
Good.
It’s certain our operation has
saved many human lives
but this evacuation will do
of Kolwezi a dead city.
In a way,
the rebels also won.
Delbart, are you leaving?
You know me, anyway,
it was planned, huh?
And the others ?
Others ? Others,
they can’t do otherwise.
Come on ...
Take care, Sambene.
Congratulations Legion!
Damremont!
I am happy to see you again.
Living.
Yeah, we did it.
Roger and his wife were killed.
And you:how did it go?
Debruyn is dead.
- Oh shit.
- And Annie and George?
It's okay, they're alive.
They are at the airport.
I met Bia,
he went to warn Annie.
And Angelica?
It's ok ... you'll see...
at the airport.
Poor Annie.
-Pierre !
- That's it, my good man!
Let him go, can’t you see that
you’re scaring him?
Have you no shame ?
Forgive them, Bia.
As long as it's them
who forgive, one day.
For Marcel. I promise you
to do the necessary.
Thank you.
Georges ?
Try to watch over her.
At home, in Belgium,
you will recover very quickly.
Home is here.
Almost.
I promise I will try to forget everything.
But I don’t want to forget you.
I will try to find you
Pierre and Élodie.
Let's go.
Pierre !
You had forgotten.
- Ah!
- You kept it, though.
It's not just that - I wanted it here.
Have you seen ?
Come see us in Aveyron, Doc.
Your bullshit will be missed!
Me, it's your big mouth I’ll miss
- Are you hurt?
- It's ok, it's nothing serious ...
All aboard!
We didn’t have much time to get
to know each other, huh?
You know, Angelique, I'll come back.
Really ?
You want to come back?
I would be surprised to find work
in France again.
- So, I think I ...
- I understand.
Even if I find work,
I will come back, Angelique!
I'll come back, you understand?
Translated by MrPatchyQuilt
Hero of the Soviet Union
Zaire. Former Belgian Congo.
Flanked to the west, by Angola
and south, Zambia.
Independent since 1960,
Zaïre is 5 times the size of France.
Capital :Kinshasa.
1500 km to the south,
in the "copper belt",
one of the biggest mines:
Kolwezi.
Don't worry, you'll do it!
Oh, Delbart!
- Do you want some r&r for your last day?
- Now is the time!
No more no less !
Do not cheat!
He is not a former stationmaster!
He's an ex-soldier! Climb up!
You know ?
I did not do my service!
Anyway, the army,
I didn't like it so much!
- Hello...
- Hello !
Have you ever driven one?
Yes, in management training in Lubumbashi,
but not so big.
The layout is the same, except that
this one takes 10 tons each time
then inevitably, when you tip,
it's a little shaky.
When did you arrive?
In Kolwezi, today.
In Lubumbashi, a month ago.
Good, come on!
Where are you from ?
- Sarreguemines.
- Is there more work in Lorraine?
Well, I was an industrial designer
there, then ... unemployed for a year
Yes that, of course,
it's a good reason to come here!
Besides, I'm single,
so they put me in the hotel!
- Good luck, good luck!
- Hello !
Oh, I forgot!
For greasing,
check it yourself, because ...
here is a bit of poetry ...
it's Africa, eh!
I almost forgot, come to Debruyn's,
tonight. We'll celebrate my leaving
- That way, we will also celebrate your arrival.
- All right, all right.
Good evening.
My name is Damrémont,
Philippe Damrémont.
I was invited by Mr. Delbart.
Is...
could you announce my arrival, please?
- I will tell Madame.
- Thank you.
Would you like one?
Yes, I would, thank you.
- Hi!
- Hi!
It's a really bad signal tonight!
- As long as it's not like that tomorrow!
- Because of the cup final?
- Who's your favourite?
- I'm from Lorraine, so ...
I see ! Me, I'm betting on Nice.
But with Platini, Nancy have a chance!
I hope so!
Good evening, I'm Annie Debruyn.
But do not stand there, come on.
We were waiting for you.
Eh?
Don't stand out here
all night, huh?
I'm coming, Mum
- You know everyone?
- No, I do not think so, madam.
I will introduce them.
- Mr. Damrémont.
- Nice to meet you!
- Sir, delighted.
- Are you replacing Delbart?
- Yes I am.
- Well done!
Come.
It's very hot, huh?
There are a few for the air conditioning.
Don't you want to take off your jacket?
Thank you, ma'am, I'm fine.
I will introduce you to my husband.
Darling ?
- So, you are from Lorraine?
- Yes that's me.
- This is Dr. Bia Kombo.
- Ah!
Lorraine, Lorraine ...
but what is Lorraine ?
I hope you have
your liberation front?
And then, do not tell me
that you are French,
it's old fashioned!
You're in luck arriving this year.
Because last year at the same time,
we had the Katangans at our backs.
We were scared! But that's
not too bad, despite everything.
But since then, in Zaire all
weapons are confiscated.
We can't even go hunting.
Our house engineer, Mike Hogey
and his wife Lindel.
- Hogey?
- A foolish American!
Oh! That coming from a Belgian!
- Hi!
- Good evening!
- What did you think?
- What, the mine? It's good.
I don't care about mines
I'm asking about my dancing!
It's very good too.
You don't know anything about it!
He dances terribly!
You want some champagne or red wine?
No, I would prefer a beer.
What do you know about the country?
Well ... not much.
Well, it's not complicated.
Here is Katanga.
Actually, they call it Shaba now, but ..
it does not change the problem.
The Zairians, those of the North, have
always hated people here,
the Katangese, because
they're not the same ethnicity.
So, the Katangese rebelled
and most fighters are hiding
in Angola or Zambia
sometimes the Russians
want to give them a hand.
We are happy to do our job.
By the way
What do you think of Armande?
Armande?
Oh yes, I forgot to tell you,
Armande, it's my digger!
- Is that so?
- Yours, now!
I bet he can even break
feet with his "Armande"!
- Yes!
- Elodie, my wife.
You should dance instead!
Just go!
She is "first"!
- Listen, I'm not very good at it.
- What?
Dancing.
Who is that?
- The company's doctor.
- No, the girl
Ah! Angelica?
It's my sister!
Come, I'll introduce you.
Angelica?
Mr. Damrémont.
- Good evening, delighted.
- Nice to meet you.
I'm sorry, I was a little bit ...
silly, just now.
No probs!
I did some manual work
to pay for my studies, you know?
By the way, it's good, now:
"Honour to manual work"!
Angelica?
Excuse me.
Did you find someone
to take you back?
- You want me to accompany you?
- Yes.
So, before Saint-Michel,
the metro stops dead!
I fall on a little lady!
When the granny sees I am black,
she starts to push & cries:
"Wild species! Wild species!
"this is how you drive with women?"
I bare my teeth and answer:
"With us, little women
like you, we eat them, madame! "
Bia likes to play negroes!
It's his way of unwinding.
Where do you live ?
Right here.
It's the Black Paradise.
But I have my school, my students
and I live there.
All this is quite natural,
you know ?
- Who is that ?
- These are the FAZs. Zairian soldiers
- What does he want?
- Give them some money.
They don't get paid much.
Thanks boss!
You want me to take you home?
You could get lost while leaving.
Well ... goodbye, so ...
my name is Philippe.
Thank you, Philippe.
Me, I'm Angelica.
Yeah, yeah, I know...
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Yes, we hear them from here!
Oh, it must be some Zairian
who makes the java!
You surprise me
If it was the FAZ,
they would make a funny fiesta!
Don't leave, I'll see.
No doubt, my little father!
It's the Katangese!
The Tigers, yes - everywhere!
Well, well, I'll try to do my job.
I'm not sure if the guys at the
mine know what's happening in town
Don't worry, I'll be careful.
Can you take the car, please ?
It is better that you know
where this he.
Think about Delbart.
He's probably pulling face!
Shit - idiocy!
The cows!
They have already cut the phones!
Look at the airport.
They couldn't wait 24 hours
before making a mess.
Don't get upset, Pierre!
You were not so sure about that
today with a "maybe".
With a "maybe", we had a chance,
now it's "not at all"!
Ah, we look proper smart!
With all this mess on our hands
and there's nothing to eat!
- What shit!
- Go ahead, say it! You're itching to!
Yeah, what?
We are in deep shit!
What's this? It's a car
from the Military Mission.
Is that the head of the Mission?
Colonel Grasse?
What are you doing here ?
My respects, Ambassador.
Hello, Chamfort.
So you forgot we had to
be going, Chamfort and me,
with the President?
It was cancelled at the last minute
in an incomprehensible way.
I know for 30 minutes
that he had the chance.
- That's why I was waiting for you.
- What is going on?
This morning, at dawn, planes
were destroyed on the Kolwezi airfield.
And rebel troops attacked
the garrisons of the city.
Where did you get this information?
From the Zairian air force.
Its Kolwezi detachment was
able to reach Kinshasa by radio.
Did you get any more from
the staff of the Zairian forces?
No, I can't reach them General Namla!
Try again later in the day.
Your opinion, sir?
Difficult to evaluate
the rebel forces.
But if they could attack the airfield
and at the same time, enter the city,
Because they are strong
and well armed.
And, in this case, do not expect
a long organized resistance
- Zairian forces.
- I will make contact
with my Belgian and
American counterparts
before calling Paris.
What do you want?
- We are Belgian citizens.
- The boss!
He is not there.
Don't hide mercenaries and traitors.
And no weapons ... otherwise ...
There are no weapons here!
Want to see our papers?
Well...
We walked a lot ... 3 days.
We are hungry...
We are not thieves,
we are liberators.
That wasn't so bad.
It could have been worse,
if they had found that.
Why is this?
We had to leave ...
take the plane today.
- What's in there?
- Rifles and grenades!
But what do expect?
Our things! Laundry, dishes!
Don't get angry, little sister.
And above all, do not hide
soldiers,
No mercenaries, huh?
Understood?
Damien!
- Stop it, that's my kid!
But you're crazy, ain't you?
Hold on!
So?
There were no soldiers, huh?
Well ... I couldn't
know that he was there!
You clearly see?
The garden has no fence.
- You smashed my car, huh?
- Fellow?
You did not hide soldiers?
You do not, huh?
That's good ... get going.
Go!
We'll take the corpse.
God, Elodie! What is this kid
doing in the garden with these guys?
You don't want me to tie him down?
- Where are you going, now?
- Oh shit !
But give me that!
No, it's not true, this kid!
Come on, come on!
You're crazy, Pierre!
The door is still open!
What do you want to do with it?
It can still be used...
The magazine is full.
They can also
come back for it!
- Where are you from?
- A friend accompanied me. Come and help me!
- What is this?
- The electricity has been cut!
Shit!
It's heavy like a dead donkey, that thing!
What's in there?
Rice
I know, sir! Rice is not
food for Europeans
But you'll be glad to have it
when we have nothing else.
- We can go, yes?
- Yes.
Go down into the foyer.
Everyone evacuate the hotel!
Leave your things!
Do not take anything.
Quickly, get out!
Go down into the foyer.
What do they want, these sluts?
I didn't even finish eating!
Gather round!
Despite some pockets of resistance,
we can consider this morning, Sunday,
that Kolwezi fell, Ambassador.
Part of the Zairian forces
were pushed back to the north.
They do not seem able to reorganize
and take back control of the city.
It is always difficult to evaluate
the strength of rebel forces
but their supervision seems
competent and efficient.
I'm afraid that was right,
gentlemen.
The operation is big.
Ambassador, I don't think we should
let the rebels enter Kolwezi.
Otherwise, the 3,000 Europeans in the city
will quickly become hostages.
I know.
We must wait for Paris' decision.
- Hello, gentlemen.
- Still nothing from Kolwezi?
No nothing, Ambassador.
Nancy, thanks to a goal from Platini,
beat Nice in the cup final
and the weather is becoming
very favourable.
I fear that French opinion is hardly
prepared for an intervention of our troops.
Even if it is about saving civilians
I'll be back at noon
and I will call the Elysee.
They don't seem to have come for fun.
There's no reason for them to bother us.
We're not a part of their plan
- Do you know that I love you?
- I know.
And yet, you're not my type, eh?
You look like a little soldier,
like that!
All experiences are interesting.
You remember what we did in New York,
during the power cut
because there was no telly?
What, in broad daylight?
I'll be right back
Mercenaries! Fire!
Lindel!
Lindel!
- My respects, General.
- Hello, Colonel.
This attack doesn't surprise us.
For weeks, we knew
the details of the "Operation Dove".
- "Dove"?
- Tshikapa in kipendé.
Our president was warned, 48 hours ago,
by the Soviet Ambassador
so we were aware of this invasion plan.
But we were not expecting its execution
until June.
- Where are your troops now?
- Don't worry, Colonel.
We are in control of the situation in
Shaba, but more precisely: Kolwezi.
Our forces are everywhere
and all European nationals
are under their protection.
Car!
I don't have a car.
My husband has it.
You!
Come & fix the car.
OK, but I warn you,
I don't know much about it
Quickly!
What does Mrs Debruyn want?
Their car is broken down.
Is that so?
Damn it. A cable is broken.
You!
Your car!
It's not working, it's broken down.
Check for yourself!
- Give me the part you removed.
- What part ?
I tell you it is broken down.
Put it back.
It's OK Do what he asks you!
I said: quickly!
Were my 3 messages
sent yesterday received?
They were. And I can tell you
that the President
personally looked into the case.
Please specify to the President
that it is
a major military operation
whose goal is to seize
Shaba Province.
In Kolwezi,
despite some pockets of resistance,
the city is occupied
by thousands of men in uniforms.
Now the 3,000 Europeans
who reside there
can be considered as
hostages in the hands of the rebels.
What are your suggestions?
I'll pass you over to Colonel Grasse.
It is possible to restore the situation
by an airborne operation.
Three paratroop companies
in the fastest time would do the trick.
Pierre Delbart?
It's you?
- Yes.
- Follow us!
- Where?
- To the court.
- What's this all about?
- Don't worry about that, little sister!
- Follow us immediately.
- No, Pierre, don't go!
Listen, I can't do otherwise.
Don't worry, it's probably bullshit.
- So, I'm going with you.
- You don't move from here
and you take care of the nipper.
Understood ?
Don't worry, go!
I will be back for dinner.
They arm their supporters.
These guys are civilians from Kolwezi.
There's news.
I wanted to inform you before going home.
I'm coming back to the Foreign Affairs
department right now
The Zairian government is appealing
for international aid.
- What kind of help?
- Help of any kind.
Finally!
It's Chamfort.
I asked him to go probe
the Belgians and join us here.
Without this Zairian request,
nothing was possible
What would be decisive is that the Belgians
agree to participate in an operation.
They are formally opposed
to any intervention, for now.
They plan to negotiate the evacuation of the
Europeans with the International Red Cross.
But it will not work! And that
just gives the rebels more time.
Take him away!
I didn't do anything! Get off!
I am innocent! Leave me!
- Do you work at the mine?
- Yes.
Contact the "Economy" collaboration.
Silence !
- I protest!
- Shut it!
- Are you Delbart?
- Yes.
You are accused of complicity with
the group "The Wealth of the People".
What does that mean?
You're crazy!
You know very well that it's wrong!
I work as a driver at the mine.
- I am a worker, nothing else.
- Shut up!
You are an exploiter! And for this reason,
the court sentences you to death.
Your court is a circus!
It's an assassination!
Why let this happen?
If you had power in this country,
you too would need these types
- like me
- That's enough!
The sentence is enforceable at once!
Take him away!
Commanding officer.
You know the comrade
next to the officer there?
Seiko. He worked at the mine.
It's me who employed him.
You coming?
Do you think I'm scared?
Fire!
Get going!
You can go home.
Poor old man.
What are you going to do with it?
They almost got me once,
they won't get me again.
If I have to die, I will take a
few other skins first.
Why look at me like that?
You take me for an exploiter
or a racist too?
Who's talking to you about this?
OK.
I lived in Africa
for 15 years.
And it wasn' just for my job.
I liked it.
And Africans, I loved them.
These days, I'm fed up with their...
savagery.
Yeah, I know, I say bullshit.
But it's true that I was scared.
Like never in my life.
Belgians from Kolwezi ask
Brussels for an airborne operation.
I sent a message to the Élysée.
I can only confirm that an
airborne operation on Kolwezi,
completed as soon as possible,
can unlock the situation
and save what can still
be salvaged.
I also suggest that a Franco-Belgian
operation with Zairian support
is what we think is desirable.
For my part,
I already advised General Namla
to airlift the battalion
Major Maélé's Zairian paratroopers
in Lubumbashi
and engage them by road to Kolwezi.
Listen to me, Annie!
This corner has become dangerous
with these armed civilians.
We'll take refuge at Van Zeel's.
Come with us !
I ask you once again.
And what if Marcel came back?
- Even if he wanted to,
- I don't think he can.
- Your son is right.
The Zairian PC is right ahead
and he still resists.
I hope the helicopters arrive,
they promised to evacuate the Europeans.
I took what was needed, mum.
I think it's better to go there.
I think that there is someone, by God!
I am French, open up! I don't know
where to go, I just arrived
Do not insist,
we will not open up to anyone.
Open up, I tell you
I don't know where else to go!
Bugger off!
It's not a big deal, madam.
Just heat stroke, that's all.
- Hi, old man.
- Hi.
How long will we stay?
- You promised to evacuate us.
- Calm down.
- Where are the helicopters?
- Calm!
As long as our PC, opposite holds,
you are not at risk.
You are safe under our protection.
Be patient, trust me.
We will not abandon you.
Where are you going, doctor?
Listen. I was called here
to look after a child.
Now I'm going back to the hospital.
Stay here, instead.
These people may need you.
You do not believe
in this evacuation, huh?
The helicopters ain't coming,
we know it,
but we shouldn't take away that hope.
Fair enough ... I'll stay.
Do you think we might be saved?
You, the Europeans, maybe ...
After all, your soldiers
are only 8000 km from here.
While I am in my own country.
Soldiers on the other side
of the street are ours
and I am Katangese like the rebels.
So, I wonder who will save me.
Let's count on providence, Annie ...
and think about ourselves.
We are witnessing a fire and we
ask "who holds the Extinguisher?"
I hear you General, keep me informed.
But if we do not do anything,
we will be charged with
non-assistance to those in peril.
Yes, General, in danger of death!
My respects, General.
The 2nd company of the 311th Zairian
has jumped near Kolwezi.
Stupid! Unsupervised they will
run into disaster!
It's done, they have not even
achieved their objective!
They were dropped everywhere
except on the aerodrome.
They are scattered in the countryside
Kolwezi is 20 km away.
And Major Maélé?
For now, he is following the plan
that you advised.
He left Lubumbashi with his battalion
and headed for the bridge of Lualaba.
I'll go and see.
Hey! Here they are, look!
They are surely coming for us!
But we didn't see the
helicopters arrive
The helicopters have arrived,
they have come to get us!
Get back! Don't go out!
They are Katangese!
What are you going to do?
Come on!
The revolver, quickly!
George, close the gate.
Come on!
They will kill you, too!
Are you hurt?
Are you hurt, Annie?
I ... it's nothing ...
I assure you, Georges.
It's nothing.
Try to turn over.
I need to see.
The bullet did not penetrate.
It just scuffed you.
But you might have
a broken rib.
Shit! I left my first aid kit
downstairs, if only, I ...
It's OK
Don't worry about me.
Maélé and his men could have seized
Kolwezi airfield.
- It could lead to change our plans
- Certainly not !
The aerodrome is more than 5 km
from the city.
Deploying our paras will force us
into a long and difficult advance
that will leave the rebels time
to retaliate against Europeans
or to withdraw taking hostages.
No, more than ever you must
jump to the heart of the city.
Where most of the Europeans are.
We run the risk of dropping
Paras on buildings, on trees,
- on fences, on ...
- But yes.
But we will put them in bad shape!
Do you believe that the hostages aren't
in bad shape after a few days?
- For you, Colonel.
- I understand your scruples.
There is only one tactical choice:
grasp the nettle!
Mr Ambassador ...
Some para units in France
have been alerted
since 10am this morning
Regain all your companies
in speed, we are on the alert.
So, be wise, huh?
Capito?
Frederico, this alert, you believe
how serious is this time?
It's possible.
We're ready for that, you know.
Yes of course.
But I'll call you if we leave.
And if it's just an exercise,
I will be home tomorrow.
- Okay.
- Go ahead.
Yes General.
Here, I think I can gather
all my items on time.
But I have a section at the commando stage
Montlouis that need to go back by plane.
I heard, General.
My regards.
I have legionaries in exercise
at the Vergio pass.
But I would prefer you
back by helicopter, it's safer!
Well, well,
I'm counting on you, thank you.
By 2 am I will have recovered
all my people, Colonel.
All the better, the alert is confirmed.
- And where is it for?
- I do not know.
But in the meantime, we keep
the pressure on.
Attention!
Section ready, Captain.
- Put them at ease.
- At ease!
Package divided into 2 parcels:
Package B in the vehicle
for the 2nd rotation of the planes.
According to your orders, Captain.
- Arms ?
- Checked, Captain.
Murin, Captain.
Back from Castelnaudary.
Ah! Time has passed
to what I see in Murin.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you, Captain.
I propose that Corporal Murin join
to the group leaders, Captain.
He is a good shot.
- Leave it to the FRFA instead.
- At your command, Captain.
Attention!
At ease!
It's not a drill, this alert?
The Colonel did not tell me anything,
personally!
Say, You fucked those
cuties, over there?
- And how, yeah!
- Bloody tell me!
That would make you dream, huh?
It's okay, you haven't done it.
Where can we go to,
Chief Warrant Officer?
The quiet corners are not hard to
find: Chad, Mauritania...
Lebanon, Zaire.
I must forget about it!
Zaire? It is too far.
You see us doing
8,000 km by plane?
Me? Not really.
Flying makes me puke
Then you're stupid, Why
choose the paras, then?
Well, to jump!
Even if they are not far,
they must be sleeping.
We can't hear them, anyway.
Don't go. I can wait.
I need my first aid kit, Annie.
It's got what you need for treatment.
Bia!
Georges!
It's okay now, Annie.
I got it!
But ... I can't do anything now
We'll have to wait for the day.
It's nothing ... I can wait.
You saw it, didn't you?
How is that possible ?
You must know, you.
- Those are...
- ... my brothers. Yes, Annie.
Injustice creates unreason
all over the world.
But, in Africa ...
revolt is always close by
victory and massacre ...
or then scarper
when there is more hope of overcoming.
Four hours.
How 4 hours?
It is 22:30 hours
No, four hours to join Solenzara.
Ah yes.
Without these security problems,
we were leaving Bastia ...
Yes I'm listening
No, Colonel, still nothing.
Yes, we're waiting.
Berthier, I'm listening.
I'll pass you the Élysée,
Ambassador, do not leave.
- Mr. Ambassador?
- I'm listening.
I inform you that
the President of the Republic
just warned
the head of the Zairian state
that in accordance with his request,
an airborne operation
will be undertaken by the French
in Kolwezi.
Thank you.
This is Grasse, I'm listening.
This is the Army Operational
Centre in Paris.
I officially inform you
that the principle
of an airborne operation
on Kolwezi is acquired.
Send us by Telex the tactical scheme
- and the date you are considering.
- I'll send it tonight.
You are now in command
of this operation.
I put at your disposal
the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment.
Loud and clear.
The operation will be called Leopard.
For the group...
Attention!
Regiment assembled in full.
Ready to board.
At your orders, Colonel!
Unit commanders.
Embark!
3rd Company at my command.
By section, board!
2nd section, embark!
You'll do better to stay with us.
Thank you, but I want to try
to find my friends,
to know what has become of them.
Thank you anyway.
Thank you for everything. Goodbye.
Goodbye. Good luck!
Maybe something will happen
There is no reason for us
to be abandoned like this.
Yes I hope so !
Goodbye, good luck!
Stop!
Your papers.
I have just arrived in Kolwezi.
I work as a labourer at the mine.
Lies!
- You are a French mercenary!
- What are you talking about, I ...
Quiet!
You are a mercenary.
You are all mercenaries!
- Listen, I'm a worker.
- Come on! Leave!
I said, go!
Come on, turn around ...
and leave.
- You were told to go back.
- No way
I will not go back.
And why?
Because you will never have
the courage to shoot a man
who looks you in the eyes.
Come on, go home.
Section, attention!
One step left. Left!
The last of each column
will be chore.
Turn around, right!
From behind, clear the row.
Not all planes have arrived yet.
Take the opportunity to eat
and put the weapons away.
It's going to be a mess,
this embarkation!
If you want to eat now's the time
Hey, ain't you eating?
- Cut the crap
- You're still going to puke
And without anything in your belly,
it's worse
Shut it!
Gentlemen.
Your destination is Zaire.
You will jump on Kolwezi.
You have to liberate
3,000 Europeans
of all nationalities
currently taken hostage and
threatened with being executed.
The president of the Republic, in
person, entrusts you with this mission.
Georges!
Keep me from screaming!
You know me. It won't be long.
That's it, it's over.
In a few minutes, you'll feel better.
Colonel?
This is headquarters in Paris.
Grasse here, I'm listening.
We received your communication setting
the date of the operation to Saturday.
It's too late. It must take place
tomorrow Friday at dawn.
Tomorrow at dawn?
- Out of the question!
- Yes! At dawn!
Listen: we are fighting for the
operation to take place on Saturday
in the most favourable conditions
A 24h advance would only increase
the risks we are already running.
Plus, according to my information, the 2nd
REP has not yet taken off from Solenzara.
It'll be done in one moment.
So, at best, the regiment
will reach Kinshasa at night!
How would you like in a few hours,
I assure the transfer of men
and their boarding in Zairian planes?
And Kolwezi is 1,500 km from Kinshasa!
- Four hours of flight
- Good.
- I share your reservations.
- Don't miss it!
That's Paris taking
the bit between the teeth
It's possible they have good reasons
to want to speed up the operation
but I would like to know what
Zairian Forces Staff
calling Colonel Grasse.
Chamfort, I'm listening.
I have important information
for you.
Our intelligence services
have just captured and decrypted
a message from Angola.
As you see it is signed Mbumba,
"Lieutenant-General of the rebels"
and it is addressed to "Major Mufu, Chief
Katangese troops in Kolwezi"
- Are you sure of its authenticity?
- Unfortunately, yes.
Can I rely on your planes
at 5:30, tomorrow morning?
- Naturally.
- General.
Chamfort to Gulf Romeo.
I'm leaving Namla's house.
There is news.
Try to contact urgently
Colonel Deval of the airforce
to provide us Mirages in
support tomorrow.
Tell the Ambassador that
I will take it immediately.
Done.
- What's going on ?
- The Katangese have been warned
by European radios of an
imminent raid on Kolwezi.
They are preparing to evacuate and
are sabotaging the mining facilities.
I also heard the order
to execute all their prisoners.
Katangese don't bluff
certainly not.
Paris, obviously, is surely right.
We will jump on Kolwezi
tomorrow, Friday.
It is impossible for Deval to provide
us with air support for tomorrow.
The 2 Mirages we need are ready
but he has no more ammunition.
He's hoping for Friday night.
We will jump without air support.
Inform Paris.
We will approach the jump zone
from the West.
In column formation.
We will drop at 200 meters.
Dufrez from Golf Romeo.
Colonel commanding the 2nd REP
is he on board this aircraft?
Ah. Very good.
Tell Chamfort that he's coming
to join us here with the
elements already in place.
What news from other aircraft?
The arrival of the next plane
is scheduled around 02:00 hours
I do not have exact data
for the others.
Stay in the control tower
and keep me informed.
- Good to see you!
- When do we jump?
This morning, at noon.
Takeoff scheduled at 08:00 hours
Unfortunately your regiment
will have to jump in two waves.
Other sections will arrive too late, surely.
I will take the rest of your regiment
by DC-10 transport from Air Zaire
to an airfield near Kolwezi.
- We will save time.
- Perfect.
There is one disadvantage.
The medical unit is located
in the last plane.
Worse, we'll jump
without a medical unit.
Will we have Mirage support?
No, you will have to do without that too.
All that doesn't matter.
Since the chaplain is here,
he will be able to say some prayers.
Finally, we have parachutes
You can collect them right now.
4!
5!
6!
Chief Warrant Officer!
What is it?
Shit! American ones.
Well, it's nothing.
A parachute is a parachute.
And the Americans
are no more stupid than us.
Look at how it is all loose.
- Why didn't we take ours?
- We were too busy
And stop moaning!
Chief Warrant Officer!
There is no way to attach weapons
We will be asked to hold them
between our teeth, you'll see!
Shut your mouths a bit, huh?
Listen !
With wire and string,
you are going to make a bodge
and you tie your weapons, understood?
Do it!
They're on pot, these yanks!
They jump by smoking the cigar!
I will summarize.
For the drop we have 5 Zairian planes
plus a French Transall which will
serve us as a command post.
The planes will certainly have
difficulty finding the drop zone.
But I didn't have time to ask
the rebels to mark it for us.
I also remind you that Kolwezi
is 1,500 metres above sea level.
The jump itself will be difficult
and perhaps imprecise.
The planes will drop at 200 metres
It will limit the risks for the men
The first objectives
must be reached quickly.
Even if it leads to losses.
We must force the rebels to
about-face and save their skin
before they have time
to take care of the hostages.
I also require
a very strict discipline of fire
to avoid the risk of causing losses
within the civilian population.
Gentlemen?
It will soon be time.
Get ready
On your feet!
Help your comrades there!
Have a piss and get equipped.
Go quickly !
You lot - go and piss!
Go!
Last one's a dick!
Come on, eat your arse!
Merlin!
This is the office of the
Military Attaché, I'm listening.
- This is, General Gaveau, COA.
- My respects, General.
Do you know if the 2nd REP
has already taken off?
It's 08:00h, in principle, they should've
taken off, but I have no information.
If the manoeuvre hasn't started
immediately delay it.
Well understood, I will warn
Colonel Grasse straight away
provided that it's not too late.
- Lefray?
- Yes, Captain?
Take over, I'm off to the airport.
Yes sir.
Colonel, a message for you!
COA. The operation is postponed.
Stop your engines!
- The operation is postponed.
- Whatcha mean postponed?
I don't know any more for now.
It might allow your medical unit to arrive.
Best thing is for the men to disembark
and assemble in the hangars.
No, I prefer to wait here,
near the planes. You never know.
Roger. I'm off to the Embassy
and will call Paris.
You know where my wife and son are?
No I don't know.
I had trouble coming so far, you know?
I hope they were not here
When it happened.
I escaped from the mine.
Rebels are starting to panic
and want to blow everything up
Good God!
Where did they go?
At Delbart's, maybe?
That's not possible,
it's on the other side of the city!
You are looters, stop!
You are the looters!
I am here at home!
You, outside!
Leave it to us!
We will kill him!
- We'll kill him.
- Leave it to us!
Gather round!
Yes I... Come in !
Of course.
I'll tell him about it.
What is happening, Ambassador?
Rest assured,
I just spoke to the Élysée.
The president thought
the jump was in progress.
He personally oversees the operation.
- Did you get the confirmation Telex.
- What does it mean ?
I'll call the staff.
There is surely a manoeuvre,
somewhere.
I learned that the Belgian paras
will land in Kamina tonight.
They were ordered to evacuate
the Europeans from Kolwezi
but without participating
in any military activity.
How can you evacuate a city
without firing a shot?
They're hoping the Katangese
will let them?
This is not supposed to interfere
with the French troops.
Madness!
The joint operation was possible!
Now, it's too late.
Colonel Grasse, in Kinshasa!
What is this mess?
This is the Chief of Staff of the
Armed Forces. Take off immediately.
What are they going to do?
Shoot us!
This is the Douala River.
We should reach Kolwezi in 1 hour.
Kolwezi.
I'm clearing right.
Wait, it sounds like a plane!
No, they are planes!
We just missed the jump zone.
Like that, they are warned that
we are arriving!
- Looks like they're leaving.
- What do you mean ?
The planes leave?
It's not possible!
Have you seen what's going on outside?
If the soldiers leave here,
they will kill us.
That's how it happens
in all countries of the world.
If we want to save our skin,
we must stay here!
Even if we have to fight!
Planes...
Planes!
You heard? I tell you
that they are planes!
It's them, mum! It's almost over!
We’re goint to be saved!
In position.
Go!
2!
3! 4!
5! 6! 7! 8!
Shit! Where is the PP-13?
- Where is Meunier?
- In the tree, Chief Warrant Officer!
Get down quickly!
You'll blow your nose up there!
Forward! Forward!
Move it!
Push!
We must hold the door
to keep it shut
Push! Push!
Understood. You report
many civilian corpses.
Section completed. We are under fire
- You need help ?
- No, that's fine! We will fight!
Let’s not muck about here!
- How many are they?
- 3!
Ioko! Shoot the grenade!
Attack!
Hey, look! I almost got my
balls cooked up there!
We have two armoured cars in front &
the anti-tank team isn’t here, what now?
Wait for Blue 3,
they have the equipment.
- Blue 3, I'm listening.
- Where are you?
All done!
Let’s get to the gendarmerie.
Warning, Blue 2 is blocked
by 2 armored cars.
- Join.
- Let's go. Over & out.
Sibourg!
Get ready, you have an appointment
with two armored cars!
Two?
Go on, I can't continue!
Replace me!
Go on, guys!
Don’t let them get away!
In the name of God,
do not let them get away!
Go on, guys!
the Paras are here!
Murin, get over here!
On the terrace, up there.
- Well?
- He's hiding.
Smith!
Try in the museum
Watch out!
Our security, Murin!
Get busy!
This guy made us lose
enough time. Let's go !
- So, what took you?
- Oh nothing! Don’t worry about it
Warning ! Come, come quickly!
Look out!
God's name, he's gone.
They left.
- It's ended there, they're gone.
- Is that true ?
- That's right ... right?
- Stay here !
Lie down!
Sibourg!
Ioko, get ready!
Blue 2 to Blue 3.
- Blue 2 receiving.
- We are in position
Sibourg, take your pick. We will
take the other with the rifle grenade
Attack!
I had two wounded
and you, were you injured?
One killed. Marcos.
Well, you come with us
to the gendarmerie. Come on!
Chief Warrant Officer! There are a lot of
people in there, I can hear them talking
Lieutenant
-French army !
-Do not shoot! We are prisoners
Put your hands up in the air.
You can give up.
Come on, come on.
Go ahead.
- Verdu!
- Chief Warrant Officer?
See if there are any wounded.
Move it.
Move it.
- Do you have a bandage?
- In my right pocket.
Give it to him.
Let's go children of the motherland
The day of glory
- has arrived.
- Forward!
Against us tyranny
The bloody banner is lifted
Blue to Blue 2!
- Blue receiving.
- This is Blue 2 and Blue 3.
Target achieved.
But who's singing?
The prisoners we just
delivered to the gendarmerie.
We arrived on time,
they would go there.
Congratulations, but
do not be distressed, huh?
Blue 2 stays put
to evacuate the survivors.
Blue 3 continues on Bravo,
next goal, Over & out.
It's not the 14th of July madame
Stay in your house!
It’s dangerous outside.
Bravo!
- Vive la France!
- Vive la France...
vive la France, I want...
but long live the French ...
I am Italian !
- You cover Murin.
- Well done.
I get the impression we were not expected.
Good God!
Niokolo! Take some men
with you and search the hotel.
Blue, Blue 3.
Goal achieved.
No resistance.
The guys closed the case but
- they left a gift behind them.
- Speak clearly, Blue 3.
Clearly, that means
a pile of corpses. All blacks.
Don’t ask me how many. I don’t
take the time to count.
In any case, the hotel is empty ...
Attention, Captain!
Come over here, Captain.
You can leave, there is no danger.
Thank you. Sorry, ladies.
Go through the garden,
you can take them back.
This way!
So, you shoot well for a civilian.
Well then!
For once the Legion finds
that the colo is not so bad!
Here, take this, it will be more
effective than your gun
Thank you, “Old One”!
Did you kill one, dad?
No, I missed him.
He missed, mum
The inhabitants, especially the
Europeans, are beginning to stir
despite our advice to stay at home.
Good then,
watch out for mistakes, huh?
And open fire only with certainty.
Over & out.
Bia! Why didn’t they come here?
Paras are there, I'm sure.
We heard them fighting!
But yes, for sure, they are there.
But they are not going to liberate the city
in just a few hours.
We must be on the wrong side, that's all.
I can’t take it anymore!
Think of your mother, Georges.
For her, it's worse.
Annie? I have two tablets left.
Do you want them now?
No. I can wait.
- Bia?
- Georges.
Give me your hand.
Try to sleep.
You're not on duty so rest.
Don’t worry, go.
I understand what you felt.
Shooting a man with a FR-F1,
it's a bit like ...
But you had to.
You had to do it!
I know all that. But I didn’t
think it would be so difficult.
Tell yourself it was for the
opposite side too. However...
he killed Marcos.
We are here to do it.
But war is stupid.
I would rather not have the FR-F1,
I can’t get used to it.
Nobody asks you to get used to it
only to do what you have to!
There’s a car
Beware of mistakes, do not shoot
on sight - only with certainty!
No, let it continue
Go ahead ! Show yourself
and give the order to stop.
By God!
Stop! French army !
Fire!
Chief Warrant Officer!
Blue 3 receiving.
Blue 3, are your men firing?
Affirmative. Four blokes in a car.
We got them.
Losses?
We have a slight injury.
Over & out.
What's up, my friend,
you have nothing broken.
Yet, in the lights, they would have
seen that you were like them.
It's you who see wrong,
Chief Warrant Officer.
I am not black.
I am a legionnaire.
We'll evacuate you in the medical unit.
- It’s nothing!
- Obey, Legionnaire!
Murin, do you care, huh?
This is Colonel Grasse, I just
landed on Kolwezi airfield
still held by Maélé. The Belgians
are disembarking & entering Kolwezi.
But we are still fighting
at different points of the city!
I'm going to see Colonel Maez,
the Belgian commander.
The 2nd REP is deployed in Kolwezi.
You can not interfere with their plan.
I have formal orders. Here they are.
"Establish at Kolwezi Airfield
"a reception post for
all Western nationals
"in readiness for repatriation.
"Do not participate in any way
with the French military action.
"Operation limited to 72 hours."
- 72 hours?
- I'm sorry.
But these instructions are clear
and I must respect them.
It will create panic
in the population!
We don't want to leave a ruined
town free for looters.
Do we agree on our zones of
activity to avoid interference?
When you ride to
the district of Manika ...
but do not go in,
the cleaning is in progress ...
They are well hidden these bastards!
It won’t be easy dislodging them.
Who are those rangers heading
that way?
Shit, the Belgians!
They’re going to enter the
snipers’ target area.
Cover me. I'm going to try
to intercept them.
2nd section, Fire!
French army!
Shit, stop! French army I said!
Stop, men!
What are you doing here?
This zone is not yet cleared.
Yeah, I see that.
Excuse us, but we did what we
could for 2 days, huh?
If you were planning on going in there
easily, you arrived a little too early.
Always caustic, Maurois!
Good God, De Vrint!
- What are you doing in this village?
- I didn’t expect to see you here.
- Looks like you did a good job.
- We try.
Wait, we're going to hide because
that we risk taking one there.
- Retreat on the right.
- To the right !
So, it seems that you are charged
to evacuate the Europeans?
- Yes ... those who want.
- Yes I know.
For the moment, the entry of
Belgians does not pose a problem.
Only one column has been stopped
by a sniper shot,
- Blue taking care of it.
- And Blue 3, any news?
Good God !
- Chief Warrant Officer, do you hear?
- Always talk, we'll see.
There are at least
a hundred men in uniform.
They are on the road,
they have three lorries.
Sure they’re not Belgians?
I’m not blind.
Sir, they are black.
They all seem ready to move.
What do I do ?
Nothing. Do not shoot.
They could be Zairians.
Get hidden.
Wait for the guys from "Violet"
I exhausted what I had.
I do not have anything
to cure you, Annie.
I know.
I can hold out.
If he doesn’t arrive today,
I will go out, do you hear?
Stay calm.
Calm down.
This time it's them.
It's them !
And it's for us!
They’re heading straight for us,
the fools!
Your group, in the woods.
The others, with me
- Violet from Sun.
- Violet receiving.
- Did you join Blue 3?
- Not yet.
- We are 800 meters behind.
- Good, get a wriggle on.
Apparently, Blue 3 is falling hard.
Plan "Camellia". Over.
- Blue to Violet 3.
- Violet receiving. Speak, Blue 3.
3 lorries with a hundred
rebels heading towards us.
We are in ambush position.
We will stay in the edge.
They will fall on us any minute now.
We would rather not stay here
long alone. Where are you ?
On the same road, behind you.
Give your details
for mortar support.
785,
290.
We will hang them
as soon as they go out.
They will surely break through.
There are a lot for us.
Afterwards, they’ll be for you.
- Here they are, can we fire?
- Affirmative!
Fire!
Chief Warrant Officer, Camellia.
Retreat, mortar fire!
Camellia.
Further from 200 ... 350 ...
Efficiency by 8.
Ready for the assault!
Attack!
Bleu 3 to Violet, speak.
Sergeant !
The Chief Warrant Officer is touched!
Speak, Blue 3...
Speak, Blue 3.
Sir!
- Report!
- Shit, he's dead.
Speak, Blue 3.
Speak, Blue 3!
This isBlue 3.
1 lorrydestroyed, 15 rebels killed,
hWe have suffered one loss:
Chief Warrant Officer Frederico.
Inspect this building
and watch out for the snipers.
Lieutenant, It's horrible in there!
The Legion marches
to the front
By singing we follow
Heirs of his traditions
We are with her
We are the men
assault troops
Soldiers of the old Legion
Those who want to be evacuated,
hurry up!
At least give my wife time
to take a suitcase, right?
We have orders not to evacuate
non-Europeans.
What? That’s not OK, she’s my wife
I won’t leave without her.
And my son.
Did you see my son?
Maybe I should leave him here,
according to your orders?
It's good, get all three.
And you ?
Rest assured, you will not have
to worry about me,
it's my country and I'm staying!
If I can, I'll say goodbye at the airfield.
Take care of the house, huh?
Because today, it's Berezina.
Kolwezi and surroundings
are in our hands.
Good.
It’s certain our operation has
saved many human lives
but this evacuation will do
of Kolwezi a dead city.
In a way,
the rebels also won.
Delbart, are you leaving?
You know me, anyway,
it was planned, huh?
And the others ?
Others ? Others,
they can’t do otherwise.
Come on ...
Take care, Sambene.
Congratulations Legion!
Damremont!
I am happy to see you again.
Living.
Yeah, we did it.
Roger and his wife were killed.
And you:how did it go?
Debruyn is dead.
- Oh shit.
- And Annie and George?
It's okay, they're alive.
They are at the airport.
I met Bia,
he went to warn Annie.
And Angelica?
It's ok ... you'll see...
at the airport.
Poor Annie.
-Pierre !
- That's it, my good man!
Let him go, can’t you see that
you’re scaring him?
Have you no shame ?
Forgive them, Bia.
As long as it's them
who forgive, one day.
For Marcel. I promise you
to do the necessary.
Thank you.
Georges ?
Try to watch over her.
At home, in Belgium,
you will recover very quickly.
Home is here.
Almost.
I promise I will try to forget everything.
But I don’t want to forget you.
I will try to find you
Pierre and Élodie.
Let's go.
Pierre !
You had forgotten.
- Ah!
- You kept it, though.
It's not just that - I wanted it here.
Have you seen ?
Come see us in Aveyron, Doc.
Your bullshit will be missed!
Me, it's your big mouth I’ll miss
- Are you hurt?
- It's ok, it's nothing serious ...
All aboard!
We didn’t have much time to get
to know each other, huh?
You know, Angelique, I'll come back.
Really ?
You want to come back?
I would be surprised to find work
in France again.
- So, I think I ...
- I understand.
Even if I find work,
I will come back, Angelique!
I'll come back, you understand?
Translated by MrPatchyQuilt
Hero of the Soviet Union