1st Regiment of the French Foreign Legion, Chateau-Salins, Moselle, France, 17 November 1918. By the French photographer C Bergeret. The French Foreign Legion was established in 1831 as an elite unit of foreign volunteers. The Legion's primary function in the 19th and early 20th century was the expansion and protection of France's overseas territories, but it served with distinction in World War I. The 1st Regiment is seen entering the village of Chateau-Salins shortly after the end of the war.