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Reconnaissance Group GR I/33
1st Squadron
2nd Squadron


Historical

On the date of the outbreak of the German attack of May 10, 1940, the GR I / 33 is attached to the 6th Air Division of the "Reserved Air Forces" of the ZOAS (South Air Operations Area).

 


Staff

Commanders of the group GR I/33
Commander VALIN Martial
1938
december 13, 1939
 
Commander DRONNEAU Léon
December 14, 1939
 
Commander of the 1st Squadron
Captain SCHNEIDER Antoine
September 20, 1939
 
Lieutenant CATON Max
September 21, 1939
16 October 16, 1939
 
Captain PECOU René
June 10, 1940
 
Commander of the 2nd Squadron
Lieutenant CANTENER Henri  
Captain MOYNOT André

 

 


Personnel

Pilots and crew of the Group
Names of crew members
Rank
Function
Sqn.
Informations
Civil Statut
Photos
Citations
ARNION Roger - Maurice
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
October 16, 1939, his Aircraft, the Potez 637 No. 17 is hit hard by the flak and crashes.
Born in Paris on 30 January 1914
Killed on 16 October 1939 at Gross Gerau (Germany)
   
BISCH Xavier - Victor
Lieutenant
Observer
On June 10, 1940, his aircraft, the Potez 63-11 n° 426 crashes on the ground shortly after takeoff: Lieutenant BISCH is killed.
Born on 22 November 1916 at Masevaux (68 - Haut-Rhin)
Killed on 10 June 1940 at Dormans (51 - Marne)
 
BOURREAUD-QUIGNARD Robert - Emile
Lieutenant
Observer
Born October 12, 1912 in Corneille le Royal (14 - Calvados)
Died March 10, 1989, Paopao (French Polynesia)
 
BRULLOT Marcel
Chief Warrant Officer
Machine-Gunner
 
CANTENER Henri
Lieutenant
Staff 2nd Sqn.
Henri CANTENER, then Colonel, is the author of the book "Hommage aux Ailes Lorraines 1915 - 1965" published in 1968. Born April 9, 1898  
CATON Max - Etienne
Lieutenant
Pilot
Staff 1st Sqn.
October 16, 1939, his Aircraft, the Potez 637 No. 17 is hit hard by the flak and crashes. Lieutenant CATON, seriously wounded dies two days later.
Born in Paris on 5 January 1897
Killed on 18 October 1939 in Darmstadt (Germany)
 
CHABERT
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
 
DE-FORGES Paul - Charles
Lieutenant
Pilot

His Aircraft, the Potez 637 No. 20 was shot down on December 20, 1939 by the Flak and German Fighters and crashed in Germany. The crew, wounded, is taken prisoner.

Paul DE-FORGES later joined the GC3 "Normandie Niémen" and disappeared in Russia, south-east of Smolensk on August 31, 1943.

Born June 28, 1912 in Nantes (4 - Loire Atlantique)
Killed August 31, 1943 near Smolensk (Russia)
 
DE-MAZENOD Gérard
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
Born June 15, 1914 in Le Mans (72 - Sarthe)
Died January 27, 2011 at Landevieille (85 - Vendée)
 
DROITCOURT
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
His aircraft, No. 26 Potez 637, was shot down on November 7, 1939 during an aerial combat against a major Me109 formation. Staff-Sergeant DROITCOURT is seriously injured.    
DRONNEAU Léon - Julien
Commander
Staff Group
Born February 14, 1897
 
DUCROCQ René
Chief-Warrant-Officer
Pilot
 
FONTAINE Jean
Chief-Warrant-Officer
Pilot
 
GALLAND Raymond
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
 
GERMETTE Bernard - Joseph
Lieutenant
Pilot
On June 4, 1940, his aircraft, Bloch MB 174 No. 17, took off and crashed to the ground: The crew was killed.
Born in Paris on 25 January 1914
Killed on 3 June 1940 at Damparis (39 - Jura)
 
HENRY Pierre
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
His aircraft, Potez 637 No. 26, was shot down on November 7, 1939 during an aerial combat against a major Me109 formation. Sub-Lieutenant HENRY, wounded, parachutes.    
HOCQUEMILLER René
Captain
Observer
On November 7, 1939, the Potez 637 No. 18 is attacked by a large formation of Me109E and is shot down in flame: the crew is killed.
Born on 28 February 1908 at Pont Faverger (51 - Marne)
Killed on 7 November 1939 at Marcilly (57 - Moselle)
   
ISNARD Hubert - Henri
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
Born November 25, 1915
 
JOSSERAND Jean - Louis
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
On June 17, 1940, the Potez 63-11 n° 454 hit by the flak crashes near a German motorized column: Staff Sergeant Josserand seriously injured, is taken prisoner.
Born June 10, 1913
 
LAEMMEL Hippolyte - Louis
Lieutenant
Observer
Gravely burned on October 16, 1939 aboard the Potez 637 No. 17 hit hard by the flak
Born: April 8, 1910
Died June 19, 1987, Saverne (67 - Bas-Rhin)
 
LEBRUN Maurice
Lieutenant
Observer
Born March 27, 1910 in Paris
Died August 17, 2006 at Valençay (36 - Indre)
 
LE-MOAL
Staff-Sergeant
Radio - Machine-Gunner
 
LEPLAN
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On September 20, 1939, his aircraft, Potez 637 No. 25 was destroyed by the Flak on September 20, 1939. Sergeant LEPLAN, wounded is taken prisoner.    
LEVY Clément - Nahman
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On June 17, 1940, the Potez 63-11 n° 454 hit by the flak crashes close to a motorized German column: the LEVY Sub-Lieutenant is killed.
Born on 2 August 1915 in Safad (Palestine)
Killed on 17 June 1940
LODS
Adjutant
Machine-Gunner
     
MARICHY André
Sergeant
Radio - Machine-Gunner
 
MARTINET Louis - Jean-Marie
Captain
Captain
Born April 5, 1901  
MATHERN Rémy - Joseph
Lieutenant
Observateur
 
Born February 24, 1911 in Bernolsheim (67 - Bas-Rhin)
Killed November 12, 1948
   
MEYER René
Chief-Warrant-Officer
Pilot
 
MINARD Jean
Adjutant
Radio - Machine-Gunner
 
MONNERET
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On June 17, 1940, the Potez 63-11 n° 454 hit by the flak crashes close to a German motorized column: Sergeant MONNERET injured, is taken prisoner.    
MOXICA Antoine
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On June 10, 1940, his aircraft, the Potez 63-11 n° 426 crashed on the ground shortly after takeoff: Staff Sergeant MOXICA, severely burned, will die on June 15.
On June 10, 1940, his aircraft, the Potez 63-11 n° 426 crashed on the ground shortly after takeoff: Staff Sergeant MOXICA, severely burned, will die on June 15.
MOYNOT André - Pierre
Captain
Staff 2nd Sqn.
André MOYNOT was killed on 5 May 1942.
Born on 22 June 1913 at Asnières sur Seine (75 - Paris)
Killed at Marguerittes (30 - Gard) on 5 May 1942
 
NAVELET Jean-Marie - Joseph
Lieutenant
Observer

His Aircraft, the Potez 637 No. 20 was shot down on December 20, 1939 by the Flak and German fighters and crashed in Germany. The crew, wounded, is taken prisoner.

Jean-Marie NAVELET, General and Commander of the ALAT, was killed on June 27 1967 when his Broussard crashed over the Black Forest.

Born August 4, 1911
Killed on June 27, 1967 over the Black Forest (Germany)
 
NOEL Marcel
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
On September 20, 1939, his aircraft, the Potez 637 No. 25 was destroyed by the Flak on September 20, 1939. The Sub-Lieutenant NOEL, wounded is taken prisoner.    
PECOU René - Jacques
Captain
Pilot
Staff 1st Sqn.
On June 10, 1940, his aircraft, Potez 63-11 No. 426 crashed on the ground shortly after takeoff: Captain PECOU, severely burned, died soon after the accident.
Born on 24 September 1913 at Châtelard (73 - Savoie)
Killed on 10 June 1940 at Neufchâteau (88 - Vosges)
 
PERRET Joseph
Chief-Warrant-Officer
Radio - Machine-Gunner
 
PICOT Maurice
Chief-Warrant-Officer
Machine-Gunner
 
REBOIS Félicien
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On June 4, 1940, his aircraft, Bloch MB 174 No. 17, took off and crashed to the ground: The crew was killed.
Born on 17 December 1914 in Marieulles (57 - Moselle)
Killed on 3 June 1940 at Orlès
   
RETOURNA Paul - Marie
Captain
Pilot
Born August 8, 1904  
REY
Sergent
Machine-Gunner
     
SACCHI Emile - Pierre
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On November 1, 1939, during a high-altitude mission aboard a Potez 637, the Sub-Lieutenant SACCHI is the victim of a breakdown of inhaler died after its transport to the Hospital
Born in Paris on 17 May 1915
Killed on 1 November 1939 at Nancy (54 - Meurthe et Moselle)
   
SCHNEIDER Antoine - Alfred
Captain
Observer
Staff 1st Sqn.
On September 20, 1939, his aircraft, Potez 637 No. 25 , was destroyed by the Flak on September 20, 1939. Captain SCHNEIDER was killed
Born May 9, 1901 in Irstein (67 - Bas-Rhin)
Killed on September 20, 1939 near Trier (Germany)
   
STRUB Jean - Joseph
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
His aircraft, Potez 637 No. 26, was shot down on November 7, 1939 during an aerial combat against a major Me109 formation. Sergeant STRUB is killed.
Born on 4 May 1912 in Haut-Rhin (68)
Killed on 7 November 1939 at Louvigny (57 - Moselle)
   
TOUREL Paul - Jacques
Adjutant
Machine-Gunner
His Aircraft, the Potez 637 No. 20 was shot down on December 20, 1939 by the Flak and German fighters and crashed in Germany. The crew, wounded, is taken prisoner. Born July 21, 1912  
TREVIS Louis - Joseph
Adjutant
Pilot
On November 7, 1939, the Potez 637 No.18 is attacked by a large formation of Me109E and is shot down in flame: the crew is killed.
Born on 30 April 1908 at Gondreville (54 - Meurthe et Moselle)
Killed at Marcilly (57 - Moselle) on 7 November 1939
   
VAILLANT Louis - Gabriel
Staff-Sergeant
Observer
On June 4, 1940, his aircraft, Bloch MB 174 No.17, took off and crashed to the ground: The crew was killed.
Born on 5 December 1916 at Corre (70 - Haute-Saône)
Killed on 3 June 1940 at Damparis (39 - Jura)
   
VALIN Martial
Commander
Pilot
Staff Group

Group Commander from 1938 to December 13, 1939, when he joined the 2nd Bureau of the 1st Air Force.


Matial VALIN ended his career with the rank of Air Force General, retiring from active service in 1978.

Born May 14, 1898 in Limoges,
Died September 19, 1980
   
WARYN Louis - Auguste
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On November 7, 1939, the Potez 637 No.18 is attacked by a large formation of Me109E and is shot down in flame: the crew is killed.
Born on 27 September 1912 at Hazebruck (59 - Nord)
Killed at Couicy (57 - Moselle) on 7 November 1939
   

 

 

Stories of crews

Crews of Group
Names of crew members
Rank
Function
Informations
Crew
NOEL
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
Potez 637 n° 25 : Destroyed by the Flak on September 20th, 1939. The Captain SCHNEIDER is killed, the two other members of the crew, wounded, are taken prisoner
SCHNEIDER Antoine
Captain
Observer
LEPLAN
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
CATON Max
Lieutenant
Pilot
Potez 637 n° 17 : Destroyed by the Flak on October 16, 1939. The plane crashed near Darmstadt. Lieutenant CATON and Sergeant ARNION are killed. Lieutenant LAEMMEL, seriously wounded is taken prisoner.
LAEMMEL Hippolyte
Lieutenant
Observer
ARNION Roger
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
VALIN Martial
Commander
Pilot
Potez 637 n° ? : On November 1, 1939, during a high-altitude mission, Sub-Lieutenant SACCHI suffered an inhaler failure and died after being transported to the hospital.
SACCHI Emile
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
BRULLOT Marcel
Chief Warrant Officer
Machine-Gunner
Crew
TREVIS Louis
Adjutant
Pilot
Potez 637 n° 18 : Shot on November 7, 1939 by BF109E. The crew is killed
HOCQUEMILLER René
Captain
Observer
WARYN Louis
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
DROITCOURT
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
Potez 637 n° 26 : Shot on November 7, 1939 by BF109E. Sergeant STRUB is killed. Staff Sergeant DROITCOURT and Sub Lieutenant HENRY are injured
HENRY
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
STRUB Jean
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
DE-FORGES Paul
Lieutenant
Pilot
Potez 637 n° 20 : Shot down on December 20, 1939 by the Flak and the German fighters. The crew, wounded, is taken prisoner.
NAVELET Jean-Marie
Lieutenant
Observer
TOUREL Paul
Adjutant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
GERMETTE Bernard
Lieutenant
Pilot
Bloch MB 174 n° 17 : Destroyed by accident at take off on June 4, 1940. The crew is killed.
VAILLANT Louis
Staff-Sergeant
Observer
REBOIS Félicien
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
PECOU René
Captain
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 426 : Accidentally crashes on takeoff on June 10, 1940: the crew is killed.
BISCH Xavier
Lieutenant
Observer
MOXICA Antoine
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
Crew
JOSSERAND Jean-Louis
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n°454 : Shot by the flak on June 17, 1940: Sub-Lieutenant LEVY is killed. Sergeant MONNERET and Sergeant. JOSSERAND injured, are taken prisoner.
LEVY Clément
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
MONNERET
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner

 


Airfield

Airfields
Period of use of airfields
Names
County
Chatel-Chéhéry
08 - Ardennes
August 27, 1939
Saint-Dizier
52 - Haute Marne
August 31, 1939
Dôle Tavaux
39 - Jura
April 2, 1940
Martigny-Les-Gerbonvaux
88 - Vosges
June 4, 1940
Châlon-sur-Saône
71 - Saône et Loire
June 13, 1940
Saint Yan / Paray-Le-Monial
71 - Saône et Loire
June 15, 1940
Feurs
42 - Loire
June 16, 1940
Lézignan
11 - Aude
June 18, 1940
Marignane
13 - Bouches du Rhône
June 19, 1940
Sétif
Algeria
June 21, 1940

Click on the map to enlarge :

Itinerary of the I/33

 

 


Aircrafts

The GR I/33 was equipped since its creation, following aircrafts :

The used aircrafts are described in the accessible file by the link below. You will find N � of series, Registration, date of affectation to the group, and fate of the plane there.

In this list are identified :

  • 6 Potez 637
  • 4 Potez 63-11
  • 1 Bloch MB174

 


Casualties

Crewmen killed
15
Captain SCHNEIDER (Combat)
September 20, 1939
Lieutenant CATON (Combat)
October 16, 1939
Sergeant ARNION (Combat)
October 16, 1939
Sub-Lieutenant SACCHI (Accident)
November 1, 1939
Captain HOCQUEMILLER (Combat)
November 7, 1939
Adjutant TREVIS (Combat)
November 7, 1939
Sergeant WARYN (Combat)
November 7, 1939
Staff-Sergeant STRUB (Combat)
November 7, 1939
Lieutenant GERMETTE (Accident)
June 4, 1940
Staff-Sergeant REBOIS (Accident)
June 4, 1940
Staff-Sergeant VAILLANT (Accident)
June 4, 1940
Lieutenant BISCH (Combat)
June 10, 1940
Captain PECOU (Combat)
June 10, 1940
Staff-Sergeant MOXICA (Combat)
June 10, 1940
Sub-Lieutenant LEVY (Combat)
June 17, 1940
Crewmen injured
10
Sub-Lieutenant NOEL (Combat)
September 20, 1939
Staff-Sergeant LEPLAN (Combat)
September 20, 1939
Lieutenant LAEMMEL (Combat)
October 16, 1939
Staff-Sergeant DROITCOURT (Combat)
November 7, 1939
Sub-Lieutenant HENRY (Combat)
November 7, 1939
Lieutenant NAVELET (Combat)
December 20, 1939
Adjutant TOUREL (Combat)
December 20, 1939
Lieutenant DE-FORGES (Combat)
December 20, 1939
Staff-Sergeant MONNERET (Combat)
June 17, 1940
Sergeant JOSSERAND (Combat)
June 17, 1940
Crewmen prisoners
8
Sub-Lieutenant NOEL
September 20, 1939
Staff-Sergeant LEPLAN
September 20, 1939
Lieutenant LAEMMEL
October 16, 1939
Lieutenant NAVELET
December 20, 1939
Adjutant TOUREL
December 20, 1939
Lieutenant DE-FORGES
December 20, 1939
Staff-Sergeant MONNERET
June 17, 1940
Sergeant JOSSERAND
June 17, 1940

 


Sources

- Mrs Monique VICEDO : Staff Sergeant Antoine MOXICA was his mother's brother
- Mr Ronnie ABBO : Sub- Lieutenant Clément LEVY was his Great Uncle
- Mr Sébastien BROCKER : Lieutenant Hyppolyte LAEMMEL was the cousin of Mr BROCKER's grandmother.
- The citations or decorations listed are extracted from the Official Journals archived in « Source gallica.bnf.fr / Bibliothèque nationale de France »
- The dates and places of birth of the Group's personnel are taken mainly from the site : "Mémoires des Hommes"
- Book : "Ils étaient là" by Mr Jacqueline and Paul MARTIN - Editions Aéro-Editions
- ...