The Combat resistance group was formed in France in November, 1941. Led by Henry Frenay it gradually became the most important resistance group in metropolitan France.

Based in Lyons, the group began publishing the clandestine newspaper, Combat, in December 1941. Edited by Albert Camus, the circulation of the newspaper eventually reached 300,000.

In May 1943, Jean Moulin persuaded Combat agreed to join forces with Front National, Comité d'Action Socialiste, Liberation, Francs-Tireur and the Armée Secrete to form the Conseil National de la Resistance.