The Legion was permanently garrisoned in Algeria and France in 1840. The Legion expanded, assimilating the survivors of the First Legion and even many of the Carlists who had fled to France after their failed revolution. A reform issued by the intermediary royal ordinance of December 30, 1840, doubled the Legion's size to two Foreign Regiments. The 1st Foreign Regiment, directed by Colonel Mollenbeck, was formed in Algiers on April 1, 1841, while the 2nd Foreign Infantry Regiment, directed by colonel was formed in Bône on April 21, 1841. The Legion was garrisoned at Sidi Bel Abbès in Algeria in 1843, where it would remain for 119 years, until 1962, when Algeria gained independence from France.