Général Koenig observing the area, Bir Hakeim, june 1942.
He was the commanding officer of the "garrison". 
After having his position totally encircled by the german and italian troops, he responded to the demand of surrender sent by Rommel by an artillery bombardment, then holding the position against all odds for many days before deciding to escape the axis grasp, crossing the enemy lines with his remaining troops.

Général Koenig in Bir Hakeim

Free french soldiers examining what is left of a stuka, Bir Hakeim, BM2 sector, june 1942.

Shot down in Bir Hakeim

Vichy French officials help to herd political captives into a prison camp. The French-Axis collaborators willingly assisted the Germans in rounding up Jews, Communists, Immigrants, and other "social undesirables" as part of the European Axis racial policy.