Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Gascogne

Groupe de Bombardement II/19, created on April 1, 1937, originates from two First World War escadrilles (flights), SAL 28 and Escadrille Spa.79. In 1932, these two units constituted the Escadrilles of an Aerial Base: 1st Escadrille, commanded by Captain Barthe, and the 2nd Escadrille of Captain Perronneau equipped respectively with the Nieuport 622, Breguet 19 and Breguet 19.B.2. Charged with leading bombardment and firing experiences, these formations gave birth in March 1933 to an escadrille specialized in night reconnaissance (1st escadrille) and another (2nd escadrille) for day reconnaissance. Four months later, a ministerial note allowed these units to re-adopt the traditions of the SAL 28 and SPA 79, whose insignias were respectively a Nile elephant and a wolf head in profile. Integrated into the large reconnaissance group of Cazeaux, the latter were equipped with Potez 25 and ANF Les Mureaux 113R.2 in January 1935, then a couple months later to Potez 540.

Then in October 1936, the Group Cazaux became a bombardment unit, and in January 1937, an airbase, and joined on April 1 of the same year the 19e Escadre, under the designation of GB II/19. During the same time, this formation began to transition to the Bloch MB.210. In May 1939, the latter took the North African route, to conduct bombardment exercises. Transiting through Tunis' El Aouina, the group reached Oran on the 20th, then went to Ksar Es-Souk, in Morocco. On August 26, the II/19 rallied Sétif, to face (French: faire face) any Italian aggression in Tunisia.

With no state of war declared with that country, the Group was brought back to Blida towards the end of September 1939 and garrisoned the following month at Biskra, where the latter formed with the 61st Escadre, the Instruction Group n°2. In March 1940, one escadrille II/19 was on its way to Morocco to test the Douglas DB-7 medium bomber, upon which high command was counting to transform the bombardment group. Passage on this new equipment took place between April and May, and at the middle of the month, the II/19 went came back to France, which the Germans had invaded.

On May 20, the group was at an airbase in Évreux. Two days later, the group's war missions began, against columns of the enemy along the road from Cambrai to Bohain. Sorties continued and towards the end of the month were being conducted in the area of Abbeville and the Somme, and also on Ham and Saint-Quentin. On June 2, the group was transferred to the airfield at Pithiviers, from which the latter carried ot as of the 5th, missions against German forces attacking the front at the Somme and Aisne. With the advance of the enemy threatening, the II/19 rallied on June 11 at the airbase of Subdray, between Bourges and Saint-Florent-sur-Cher, then made way on Agen (June 15), and finally by Lézignan (fr), to North Africa. Arrived to Blida, the II/19 travelled towards Souk El Arba on June 21 and prepared to bomb Sardinia, while Italy entered the war a couple of days later. An expedition against Cagliari was cancelled due to the Armistice made on June 25 with Germany and Italy.

Maintained in the Armistice Air Force, the GB II/19 was placed on alert after the British attacks against Mers el-Kébir in July 1940. In August of the same year, the unit went via Meknes in Morocco to assault Gibraltar. That mission canceled, the group went back to Blida, now the base garrison. While recompleting formations, the latter received another designation as a light bombardment group - Groupe de Bombardement Léger I/19 on September 1, 1940, while the 3rd and 4th Escadrilles became respectively the 1st and 2nd Escadrilles. On September 23 and 25, the group partook in attacks against Gibraltar, then went back to Blida. When the Allied disembarcation in North Africa took place in November 1942, the group participated little in the resistance, which opposed the Vichy Army (French: Armée de Vichy) to the Anglo-Americans. Based at Rovigo, the group waited for rearmament to take place by the Allies and was transferred to Colomb-Béchar at the beginning of January 1943. The group underwent a long training session until October of the same year, when they were dissociated, with some elements expedited to Constantine (1st Escadrille), and the others to Sétif (2nd Escadrille).

Later they were trained on the Martin B-26 Marauder, and on February 21, 1944, the I/19 took the designation of bombardment group - Groupe de Bombardement Moyen I/19 Gascogne (Medium bombardment group).

Having trained on the Martin B-26 through February and March, the group made way April 1, 1944 the field of Chateaudun-du-Rhumel Airfield and merged into a bombardment squadron with the Brittany Bombardment Group (French: groupe Bretagne) and the GBM 1/22 Morocco, already engaged in operations.

Commanded by Commandant Secrétan, the GBM I/19 went on to Sardinia, held by the Allies, on May 15 and conducted the first war mission one month later, by attacking communication routes near La Spezia in Italy. Sorties began, targeting bridges, railways, train stations, and various roads on the Italian peninsula, and took place through June and July before focusing in August on the south of France ahead of Operation Dragoon. The first mission on the French mainland was on the 2nd, and during the next missions on August 4 and 15, the B-26 of Gascogne engaged at the connecting bridge of Sisteron. Thus, the activity of the I/19 was shared between France and Italy.

At the beginning of October, the group rallied the south of France and garrisoned initially at an airbase in Istres, then went to the Lyon-Bron area in mid-November to take part in operations in eastern France. The first mission on Germany took place on November 17 and aimed at the rail bridge over the Rhine in Neuenburg, between Mulhouse and Colmar. The I/19's next targets were bridges, train stations, and even garrisons. Bad weather in January, February, and March 1945 slowed the sorties. On March 19, the GBM I/19 conducted its last mission from Lyon-Bron, then went on to the Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base and continued bombing Germany until the middle of April, when it participated in raids on the Royan Atlantic pockets and Pointe de Grave, held by the Germans since August 1944. With the Royan pocket subdued, the group resumed sorties on Germany until the end of the fighting.

Parked in France for a couple of months, the I/19 then in September 1945 garrisoned at Mengen, Germany under commandant Forget and was dissolved in April 1946.

To participate in operations in Indochina, the unit was officially reconstituted in Indochina, under the designation Groupe de Bombardement I/19 Gascogne, based at Tourane. Equipped with the Douglas B-26 Invader and under the command of René Chesnais (French: René Chesnais), the Group conducted numerous operational sorties on Annam and fought in Tonkin at the beginning of 1954, participating notably to the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. Still garrisoned at Tourane at the end of the Indochina War, the Gascogne continued to train and was dissolved on November 1, 1955. During that campaign, it flew more than 21,000 hours, nearly 13,000 tons of bombs were dropped and nine pieces of equipment were lost.

The unit was recreated on September 1, 1956, at Bône, under the designation Groupe de Bombardement 1/91, and took part to the Algerian War. At the Bône-les-Salines airbase, the group received its colors (group flag) in a ceremony on June 20, 1957, presided over by Armed Forces State Air Secretary M. Laforest and General Bailly. Numerous operations were conducted jointly with the escadron de chasse of the French Air Force stationed in North Africa and French Naval Aviation.

The 1/91 Gascogne carried out more than 9000 missions, representing 24,000 sorties, until 1962 and flew a total of 44,300 hours. Repatriated to Bordeaux when hostilities ended in Algeria, the Gascogne was again dissolved on September 17, 1962.

Mirage IV of Escadron de Bombardemenr 1/91 Gascogne in a reconnaissance mission above an oil field in flames in 1991 following the Gulf War.

The Bombardment Squadron - Escadron de Bombardement 1/91 Gascogne was reformed on June 1, 1964. The unit was the first squadron with nuclear capability, armed with the Mirage IV, and was declared operational the following October. "Gascogne" was in charge of executing a real nuclear test trial at the Experimentation Center of the Pacific (French: Centre d'expérimentation du Pacifique). In fact, on July 19, 1966, after taking off from an airbase in French Polynesia, the weapon was dropped at 0505 local time, with no problem. To arrive to that simple result, Gascogne had trained extensively for long-distance missions with supersonic bombardment capabilities at high altitude. Accordingly, the latter simultaneously, was tasked with maintaining operational alert awareness by fixed means determined by the operational center of the Strategic Air Forces (FAS).

In February 1965, a decision by the general staff headquarters of the French Air Force (EMAA) authorized Escadron I/91 "Gascogne" to wear the fourragère of the predecessor unit, the Groupe de Bombardement I/91 "Gascogne".

On May 10, 1966, a Mirage IVA n°36 of the squadron conducted the first transatlantic cross over with a combat aircraft at French reaction under the command of Commandant Dubroca and Captain Caubert in 7 hours 40 minutes. That voyage took 3 Air Supply Aircraft enough to rally the town of Boston.[2]

In 1968, FAS turned towards low altitude bombardment which became the principal mission of the Squadron, the supersonic bombardment was only retained as a replacing bombardment alternative.

Mirage IVP of the 1/91, 2005.

In 1986, EB 1/91 became the first operational squadron of an arms system Mirage IVP ASMP and consisted of 7 to 8 Mirage IVP.

In September 1992, following the dissolution of Escadron de Reconnaissance et d’Instruction 01.328 (reconnaissance and instruction squadron) at Bordeaux. The unit inherited the mission of strategic reconnaissance.

In the spring of 1994, the unit participated in Operation Crécerelle to maintain peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina by conducting several photographic reconnaissance missions over the geographical territory.

In 1996, the general staff headquarters of the FAS decided that the Mirage 2000N would be the only units to assure nuclear missions. The Mirage IVP had accordingly one mission: The distant strategic reconnaissance which would be authorized, with air supply, the singular endurance of Mirage IV. On July 1, 1996, EB 1/91 became a strategic reconnaissance squadron, Equipped with photographic container types and different cameras gauges, the Gascogne executed 1968 several important reconnaissance missions such as the one in Chad in 1974. Other missions such as 'Condor' in 1996 and 1997 since Djibouti on top of the Hanish Islands in the Red Sea, 'Aladin' in Iraq in 1998, HÉRACLES in 2001-2002 following the September 11 attacks, finally TARPAN in 2003 for surveillance missions on top of the Iraqi territory, have all demonstrated the primordial functions of the Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (ERS) while the world faced international menaces.

On June 23, 2005, Mirage IV P n°59 conducted the last flight of Mirage IV of the squadron and the French Air Force, at the command of a commandant, operations chief of Gascogne. This equipment is exposed today on an Aerial Base.[3]

The ERS was dissolved on June 23, 2005, at an Aerial Base.

The Escadron de chasse 1/91 Gascogne was credited with dropping 120 bombs and conducted 368 missions in Libya during Opération Harmattan.[4]

Rafale B322 bearing the insignia of the 1/91 Gascogne.

Rafale B322 of the 1/91 Gascogne bearing the insignia of SPA 97.

The squadron was reformed on March 31, 2009, equipped with Rafale, the unit integrated the Strategic Air Forces. From August 31, 2015, until September 18, 2015, 15 Rafale of the Escadron de chasse 1/7 Provence, Escadron de Chasse 2/30 Normandie-Niemen, and the 1/91 Gascogne were deployed to conduct an air-to-air campaign.[5]

Escadrille Salmson 28

Escadrille 28 was created September 1, 1914 at the trenches defending Paris, using Farman MF.11s, and took the designation of HF 28. Engaged in combat in Picardy, it was credited with a first aerial victory on October 24. The escadrille went back to Saint-Cyr on January 8, 1915, to be equipped with the Caudron G3. The unit took the designation of Escadrille C 28.

In 1917, the unit received the Sopwith 1+1⁄2 Strutter built by France, and became the SOP 28. On August 31, 1917, the unit was cited in the orders of the division for having accomplished with audacity important reconnaissance missions, and infantry support.

On January 26, 1918, the unit took the designation of SAL 28, as at that point it operated the Salmson 2. The unit was the observation escadrille of the Second Army Corps (French: 2e Corps d'Armée). On January 31, the unit was cited again, on the orders of the Army this time, for participation in the Battle of Verdun. The unit was engaged in fighting at the Somme, and in Lorraine and Argonne.

In its lifespan, the unit acquired seven confirmed aerial victories (and two unconfirmed) over the Germans. Eighteen pilots or observers lost their life in operations. Thirteen were wounded, and two taken prisoner. The unit was dissolved in July 1919 at Saint-Mihiel.

At the end of 1917, Escadrille 28 chose as its insignia an elephant, which was painted in three different versions, one of which inspired the cigarette paper advertisement "Le Nil", representing an elephant with its head turned. The insignia was painted by Lieutenant Asnard, pilot and painter.

decorations of SAL28

• 1 citation at the orders of the Army
• 1 citation at the orders of the Division
• Croix de guerre 1914–1918 with bronze palm and silver star

Constituted during the month of November 1916, escadrille number 79 was first equipped with Nieuport sesquiplanes, hence the initial designation of N 79. The unit kept this equipment two years before receiving SPAD 7 and SPAD 13, and so becoming accordingly the SPA 79 and 19 in January 1918. From that date, the escadrille commenced movement activity. The unit conducted numerous Hunter Patrols (French: Patrouille de Chasse), protection patrols, missions of photographic reconnaissance and machine gunning the trenches, columns and enemy convoys.

At the Armistice, the unit acquired 8 confirmed aerial victories, out of which 7 against aircraft and 1 against a Drachen observation balloon.

The unit was dissolved on March 12, 1919.

The insignia of the Escadrille 79 represents the head of a wolf, either black or brown.

Escadrille BR66.

Created on October 15, 1915, escadrille C66 used the Caudron G.4. In 1916 the escadrille received Sopwith aircraft and was accordingly designated as SOP 66. In October 1917, the unit became BR 66 with the arrival of the Breguet 14 B2.

The BR 66 is an escadrille with a prestigious past: with four citations from the Army in the First World War, with the fourragère with the colors of the Médaille Militaire.

The BR 66 is credited with ten confirmed aerial victories.

In March 1916, Captain Henri de Kérillis, commandant of SOP 66, chose as an insignia an Egyptian falcon in front view with deployed wings, often placed on a sun, which was painted by Sergent Rapin, a pilot of the escadrille.

Reconnaissance escadrille was constituted on January 23, 1915, at Châteaufort under the command of Captain Quillien and equipped with Morane-Saulnier L. Placed at the disposition of the French Third Army in February 1915, the unit operated in Argonne from Sainte-Menehould. The unit received the first Nieuport as of July 1915, passed from ten to twelve pilots and participated to the offensive of Champagne. Re-designated as N37 on September 20, 1915, the unit left Pierrefitte for Meltette, and as of 1916, participated in operations around Verdun. Beginning April 1916, Captain Quillien was shot down and replaced with Captain Feiestein, while the first Nieuport 11 "Bébé" arrived, accordingly transforming the N 37 into an offensive combat escadrille. On July 2, escadrille 37 was put at disposition of the Sixth Army in the Battle of the Somme and moved to Cachy. Simultaneously, the unit integrated the Combat Group GC 12. The unit lost 13 pilots during 1916.

Passing back to Third Army the unit moved on Plessis on January 25, 1917, rejoining GC 13 which the unit abandoned on March 7 for the GC 15 and field of Cheppe, put at the disposition of the Fourth Army (French: 4e Armée). The unit received the first SPAD, and to singularize the aircraft of his escadrille at the corps of GC 15, Captain Feierstein decided to replace the individual white letters painted in a white circle on the sides of the Nieuport by a condor in flight.

After having participated to operations in Champagne, SPA 37 (since May 1917) operated on the Verdun front from July 26, 1917, until February 10, 1918. Captain de Bonnevay, who assumed command of the unit on December 20, 1917, was replaced on February 5, 1918, by Captain Paumier. A couple of days later the escadrille made way by Beauzée and was engaged in operations destined in containing the new German offensive in the Aisne and Somme. On May 29, 1918, the unit made movement towards Raray, where a bombardment caused three casualties including Captain Paumier. He was replaced by Captain Poupon while the Hunter Pilots (French: Pilote de Chasse) were hunting a Drachen (Observation balloon) in the Chemin des Dames sector.

Returig to Roissy-en-France for reorganization, the unit was again at Champagne in June and July 1918 (under Tenth Army), then on the Marne, and on the north-east front in September. Stationed at Nancy-Ochey, the latter supported a United States Army (U.S.) formation during the offensive of Saint-Mihiel and on Meuse. Unfolded at Melete on November 11, 1918, SPA 37 titled 85 victories, out of which 50 confirmed. During the war, the unit counted in the ranks lieutenant Bernard Barny de Romanet (18 victories - 10 for the escadrille), sous-lieutenant Fernand Guyou (12 victories), Captain Roger Poupon (8 victories), sergent Coupillaud (6 victories), sous-lieutenant Lienhart (6 victories), but also a pilot of Chinese nationality, sergent Étienne Tsu. On the next day of the Armistice, the 37th Escadrille (French: 37e Escadrille) passed to Gondreville, then Azelot on December 8. On January 1, 1920, the unit became the 2nd Escadrille of the 1st Aerial Hunter Regiment of Thionville (Ist Group). The unit was accordingly entirely equipped with SPAD S.XIII.

Becoming the 5th Escadrille of 33rd Aerial Mixed Regiment of Mayence (French: 33e Régiment Aérien Mixte de Mayence) (IInd Group) on June 1, 1924, after being reequipped with Nieuport NiD.29, then 8th Escadrille (IIIrd Group) of the 3rd Hunter Regiment (French: 3e Régiment Aérien de Chasse de Châteauroux) on July 1, 1930, the unit was re-equipped with Nieuport NiD.62 before becoming the 4th Escadrille of GC II/3 on September 19, 1933. The history of the unit then accordingly merged with the history of the group. On July 1, 1947, the Groupe de Chasse II/3 was dissolved, and replaced with the Escadron de Chasse 1/4 Dauphiné. The Dauphiné was dissolved in July 2010.

On June 25, 2012, the Escadrille was reborn at the 1/91 "Gascogne" on a designated Aerial Base.