As part of the centenary commemorations of the Great War, the inauguration of the “Garden of the Alpine Hunters and 22nd BCA Street” took place yesterday, in the presence of civil and military authorities, and Jean-Pierre Martin, president of the 22nd Alpine Hunters Battalion’s veterans’ association.
This initiative is named after Jean-Marc Giaume, municipal councilor delegated to history and heritage, who is both a fervent defender and promoter of the city’s traditions.
These spaces are located within the perimeter of Saint-Jean d’Angely university campus, which was the perimeter of the barracks bearing the same name.
Jean-Marc Giaume emphasizes the significance of this choice: “It is up to us to pass on the memory of this troop which is the expression of the nation’s love. It is up to today’s youth, and the university is the binding link of this youth by definition, to receive and be inspired by these values.”
The 22nd BCA settled in Nice in 1920, arriving from Albertville, their first residence from 1888 to 1914, before being disbanded in 1976.
Their presence in the Riquier district, for more than half a century, fully integrated them into the contemporary history of Nice and gave them the status of “Nice’s battalion.”
The alpine hunters enjoyed immense popularity. As an elite troop, they demonstrated their courage during the terrible battles of the Great War.
