Site in French

Reconnaissance Group GR I/36
1st Squadron
2nd Squadron


Historical

On the date of the outbreak of the German attack of May 10, 1940, the GR I / 36 is attached to the IV Army in the Air Cooperation Forces of the ZOAE (East Air Operations Area).

 


Staff

Commanders of the group GR I/36
Captain CROS Félix
May 1st, 1940
 
Commander JOUHAUD Edmond
May 1st, 1940
 
Commander of the 1st Squadron
Lieutenant LOUCHARD Marius
May 14, 1940
 
Captain FARBOS Pierre
May 15, 1940
 
Commander of the 2nd Squadron
Captain SIEGLER Pierre

 

 


Personnel

Pilots and crew of the Group
Names of crew members
Rank
Function
Sqn.
Informations
Civil Statut
Photos
Citations
ADER Franck
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
 
CAUQUILL
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
May 12, 1940, his Aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No.80 is damaged by the Flak. ALieutenanthough seriously injured, the Pilot managed to land in the field but died soon after. Sergeant CAUQUILL is unharmed    
CAZENAVE
Sergeant
Pilot
On May 19, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.580 was shot down by Me109. Sergeant CAZENAVE is taken prisoner.    
CHAMPAGNE Eugène
Adjutant
Pilot
Born in Vigeois (19 - Corrèze) on 16 June 1910
Died at Bourges (18 - Cher) on 15 September 2008
 
CHASTANET Marcel - Jean dit "Elie"
Captain
Observer
Captain Marcel CHASTANET was an Artillery Captain.
On 22nd April 1934, he did a training course at the Avord School to become an Aircraft Observer.
On 1 October 1934, he was seconded for a year to the 38th Air Wing before joining the No 101 Air Battalion on 2 September 1939. He was assigned to the air force section of the 1st Land Army and was seconded to GR I/36. Badge number: 5959
On 6 June 1940, despite fighter protection, Potez 63-11 no. 161 was shot down in flames by a group of 30 Me109s. The crew was killed.
Captain CHASTANET was buried near the aircraft with Sergeant JOST. He was moved to Cavillon military cemetery, and his ashes were transferred after the war to Saint Salvadour cemetery in Corrèze.
Born on 8 November 1906 at Beaumont (19 - Corrèze)
Killed on 6 June 1940 at Cavillon (80 - Somme)
CLEMENCEAU Pierre - Jean
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
On November 22, 1939, Bloch 131 No.122 was shot down by Morane MS406 from GC II/2. Sergeant CLEMENCEAU is killed.
Born on 18 October 1915 at Bussac-Forêt (17 - Charente-Maritime)
Killed on 22 November 1939 at La Fère (02 - Aisne)
   
COUDERQ Jean - Jacques
Lieutenant
Pilot
On May 10, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.202, severely damaged by the Flak, managed to reach the Gubelange field. Lieutenant COUDERQ is unharmed, but the Observer, accidentally ejected from the aircraft, parachutes and is taken prisoner on the ground
Born 13 January 1914 at Maleville (12 - Aveyron)
Died December 25th 2000 at Aressy (64 - Pyrénées Atlantiques)
 
CROS Félix - Adrien
Captain
Staff Group
Left the Group on May 1st 1940 to join the Expeditionary Corps of Novège. Replaced by his classmate, Commander Jouhaud... Born in Béziers on 13 May 1905    
CUILLE Gaston - Pierre
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On 5 June 1940, after dropping off the Observer at Etrepagny airfield, Potez 63-11 no. 595 took off again to return to its airfield, but was attacked by a group of 9 Me109s and crashed to the ground. The crew was killed.
Born on 9 October 1917 at Montgaillard (65 - Hautes-Pyrénées)
Killed on 5 June 1940 at Saint-Ouen-du-Tilleul (27 - Eure)
 
DE-MONTS-DE-SAVASSE Gérard - Marie
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
On June 5, 1940, after having deposited the Observer on the ground of Etrepagny, Potez 63-11 No.595 redécolle to rejoin his ground but is attacked by a group of 9 Me109 and crush on the ground. The crew is killed.
Born on 3 March 1914 in Toulouse (31 - Haute-Garonne)
Killed on 5 June 1940 at Saint-Ouen-du-Tilleul (27 - Eure)
DE-STAMPA Pierre
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
On May 19, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.580 was shot down by Me109. Sergeant DE-STAMPA is taken prisoner.    
DOLEAC René - Julien
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer

Potez 63-11 No.501: June 21, 1940, before the Armistice, the Crew tries the crossing of the Mediterranean, but victim of an oil leak, it must land in Mallorca in Spain. The crew is taken prisoner and the aircraft is restored under the Spanish color.

He was killed in Algeria. He was then Lieutenant-Colonel

Born on 2 August 1916 in Aureilhan (65 - Hautes-Pyérénées)
Killed on 16 October 1956 in Maréchal FOCH (will become Labartache- Algeria)
 
FARBOS Pierre
Captain
Pilot
Staff 1st Sqn.
 
FEVRE
Staff-Sergeant
Machine Gunner
The Potez 63-11 No.173, damaged by the Flak during his mission May 14, 1940, crashed on landing on his land. Staff Sergeant FEVRE, wounded, will be taken prisoner a few weeks later.    
GUITTON Georges - Charles
Captain
Observer
 
HAURE Jean - Marie
Adjutant
Pilot
May 12, 1940, his Aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No.80 is touched by the Flak. ALieutenanthough seriously injured, Adjutant HAURE managed to land in the field but died soon after.
Born on 10 June 1912 at Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre (65 - Hautes-Pyrénées)
Killed on 12 May 1940 at Pommérieux (57 - Moselle)
 
HAUTECOEUR
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On June 5, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.595 was attacked by a group of 9 Me109 and crashed to the ground. The crew is killed. Sub-Lieutenant HAUTECOEUR is the only survivor: Before leaving for his base, the Pilot had deposited him on the ETREGNY ground where he had to analyze the photographs of his mission, he was not present on board at the moment from the attack ......    
JARRY Paul - Gabriel
Lieutenant
Observer
Born on 17 February 1900  
JOST Philippe - Robert
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
On June 6, 1940, despite a hunt protection, Potez 63-11 No.161 was shot down by a group of 30 Me109. The crew is killed.
Born in Niederbonn (67 - Bas-Rhin) on 11 October 1915
Killed on 6 June 1940 at Cavillon (80 - Somme)
JOUHAUD Edmond - Jules
Commander
Staff Group

Joined the Air Force in 1926 - Replaced his classmate, Cdt Félix CROS, at the head of the Group on 1 May 1940.
After the war, in 1954, he was promoted to Major General and led the Air Force in Indochina and took an active part in the conflict in Algeria.
A supporter of French Algeria, he was one of the four five-star generals who attempted a putsch in Algiers from 22 to 25 April 1961.
Arrested after the failed putsch, he was sentenced to death in the Santé prison. His sentence was eventually changed to life imprisonment. He was finally released from prison in Tulle in December 1967 and amnestied in 1968.

Born on 2 April 1905 in BOU-STER (Algeria)
Died at Royan (17 - Charente-Maritime) on 4 September 1995
 
LARMIER Lucien
Captain
Observer
On May 10, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.202, severely damaged by the Flak, managed to reach the Gubelange field. The Captain LARMIER, accidentally ejected from the aircraft, parachutes and is taken prisoner when arriving on the ground,
Born in Neuvelle-lès-Champlitte (70 - Saône) on 18 August 1904
Died 8 January 1987 at la Teste-De-Buch (33 - Gironde)
   
LAURENT Pierre - Louis
Captain
Crew Chief
On November 22, 1939, Bloch 131 No.122 was shot down by Morane MS406 from GC II/2. Captain LAURENT is killed.
Born on 22 January 1905 at Nantes (44 - Loire-Atlantique)
Killed on 22 November 1939 at Versigny (02 - Aisne)
   
LE GROIGNEC Jacques - Etienne
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot

Potez 63-11 n° 501 : On 21 June 1940, before the Armistice, the crew attempted to cross the Mediterranean, but an oil leak forced them to land in Majorca, Spain. The crew was taken prisoner and the aircraft was refurbished under Spanish colours.

Jacques LE GROIGNEC joined the FAFL and became a fighter pilot. He commanded a fighter squadron in Alsace and Germany.

After the war, he pursued a busy military career in the French air force, being appointed Air Division General in 1968, then Air Corps General in 1970.

Jacques Le Groignec is a Commander of the Legion of Honour, holder of the Second World War Cross and the Aeronautics Medal.

Born on 12 October 1918 in Nouméa (New Caledonia)
Died on 22 January 2009
   
LOUCHARD Marius
Captain
Pilot
Staff 1st Sqn.
The Potez 63-11 No.173, damaged by the Flak during his mission May 14, 1940, crashed on landing on his land. Captain LOUCHARD is killed.
Born on 30 December 1905 at Mont-de-Marsan (40 - Landes)
Killed on 14 May 1940 at Neufchâteau (88 - Vosges)
 
LOUSSALEZ
Chief Warrant Officer
Pilot
On November 22, 1939, Bloch 131 No.122 was shot down by Morane MS406 from GC II/2. Chief Warrant Officer LOUSSALEZ is injured.    
MARCUSSE Robert - Vincent
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
May 12, 1940, his Aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No.80 is touched by the Flak. ALieutenanthough seriously injured, the Pilot managed to land in the field but died soon after. Sub-Lieutenant MARCUSSE is also killed.
Born on 21 July 1916 at Geaune (88 - Vosges)
Killed on 12 May 1940 at Pommérieux (57 - Moselle)
 
MAYENCON Auguste - André
Adjutant
Pilot
On June 6, 1940, despite a hunt protection, Potez 63-11 No.161 was shot down by a group of 30 Me109. The crew is killed: Adjutant MAYENCON is extracted from the seriously wounded aircraft, but will die in the hospital where he is taken.
Born on 11 September 1913 at Ripes (38 - Isère)
Killed on 8 June 1940 at Cambrai (59 - Nord)
 
;
PERROTTE Roger - Henri
Captain
Observer

Roger PERROTTE, Private 2nd Class, volunteered on 5th July 1915, and fought as a Gunner during the first conflict, which he finished with the rank of Lieutenant.

He was admitted to the Ecole Polytechnique in September 1921.

He joined the Air Force in June 2023 and was posted to GR I/36 in February 1939.

On 19 May 1940, Potez 63-11 n° 580 was shot down by Me109s. Sergeant CAZENAVE was taken prisoner. Captain PERROTE was seriously wounded in the leg and taken prisoner. He had to be amputated during his captivity.

See Captain PERROTTE's service record opposite

Born on 1 May 1897 at Touffréville (14 - Calvados)
Died at Luneray (76 - Seine-Maritime) on 24 February 1993
PIERRAT Louis - Joseph
Lieutenant
Observer
- On November 22, 1939, Bloch 131 No.122 was shot down by Morane MS406 from GC II/2. Lieutenant PIERRAT is injured.
- The Potez 63-11 No.173, damaged by the Flak during his mission May 14, 1940, crashes landing on his land. Lieutenant PIERRAT is killed.
Born on 22 August 1903 at Fendon (88 - Vosges)
Killed at Neufchâteau (88 - Vosges) on 14 May 1940
 
SIEGLER Pierre - Charles
Captain
Staff 2nd Sqn.
Born 28 February 1913
Died 5 January 1968
 
SIGNORET
Sergeant
Machine Gunner

Potez 63-11 No.501: June 21, 1940, before the Armistice, the Crew tries the crossing of the Mediterranean, but victim of an oil leak, it must land in Mallorca in Spain. The crew is taken prisoner and the aircraft is restored under the Spanish color.

He was killed on 16 March 1943 while serving with GB I/25

Born on 15 April 1920 in Montélimar (26 - Drôme)
Killed on 16 March 1943 at Aîn Touta (Algeria)
   

 

 

Stories of crews

Crews of Group
Names of crew members
Rank
Function
Informations
Crew
LOUSSALEZ
Chief Warrant Officer
Pilot
Bloch 131 n° 122 : Desperately shot by Morane MS406 on November 22, 1939. Captain LAURENT and Sergeant CLEMENCEAU are killed. Lieutenant PIERRAT and Chief Warrant Officer LOUSSALEZ are injured.
LAURENT Pierre
Captain
Crew Chief
PIERRAT Louis
Lieutenant
Observer
CLEMENCEAU Pierre
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
Crew
COUDERQ Jean
Lieutenant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 202 : Severely damaged by the Flak on May 10, 1940. Captain LARMIER accidentally ejected from the aircraft, is taken prisoner when arriving on the ground
LARMIER Lucien
Captain
Observer
Crew
HAURE Jean
Adjutant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 80 : Touched by the Flak May 12, 1940, he lands in the countryside: Sub-Lieutenant MARCUSSE and Adjutant HAURE are killed. Sergeant CAUQUILL is unharmed
MARCUSSE Robert
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
CAUQUILL
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
Crew
LOUCHARD Marius
Captain
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 173 : Damaged by the Flak May 14, 1940, it crashes on landing. Captain LOUCHARD and Lieutenant PIERRAT are killed. Staff Sergeant FEVRE, wounded, will be taken prisoner a few days later
PIERRAT Louis
Lieutenant
Observer
FEVRE
Staff-Sergeant
Machine Gunner
Crew
CAZENAVE
Sergeant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 580 : Destroyed in aerial combat on May 19, 1940. The crew is a prisoner and Captain PERROTE is badly injured
PERROTTE Roger
Captain
Observer
DE-STAMPA Pierre
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
Crew
DE-MONTS-DE-SAVASSE Gérard
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 595 : Destroyed in aerial combat on June 5, 1940. The crew was killed, except for the HAUTECOEUR Sub-Lieutenant whom the Pilot had dropped off on another ground before taking off again to rejoin his base ....
HAUTECOEUR
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
CUILLE Gaston
Sergeant
�Machine Gunner
Crew
MAYENCON Auguste
Adjutant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 161 : Destroyed in air combat on June 6, 1940. The crew is killed.
CHASTANET Marcel
Captain
Observer
JOST Robert
Sergeant
Machine Gunner
Crew
LE GROIGNEC Jacques
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
Potez 63-11 n° 501 :On June 21, 1940, before the Armistice, the crew tried to cross the Mediterranean, but the victim of an oil leak, he had to land in Majorca, Spain. The crew is taken prisoner and the aircraft is restored under the Spanish colors.
DOLEAC René
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
SIGNORET Gaby
Sergeant
Machine Gunner

 


Airfield

Airfields
Period of use of airfields
Names
County
Vitry-En-Artois
62 - Pas de Calais
September 3, 1939
Courbes
02 - Aisne
October 20, 1939
Martigny-Les-Gerbonvaux
88 - Vosges
February 20, 1940
Rouen-Boos
76 - Seine-Maritime
May 31, 1940
Octeville
76 - Seine-Maritime
June 1, 1940
Dieppe - Saint-Aubain
76 - Seine-Maritime
June 7, 1940
Piseaux
45 - Loiret
June 9, 1940
Caen-Soignolles
14 - Calvados
June 11, 1940
Dinard
35 - Ille et Vilaine
June 15, 1940
Rennes
35 - Ille et Vilaine
June 18, 1940
Cognac-Segonzac
14 - Charente
June 18, 1940
Perpignan / Liabanère
66 - Pyrénées-Orientales
June 19, 1940
Alger Maison-Blanche
Algérie
June 22, 1940

Click on the map to enlarge :

Itinerary of the GR I/36

 


Aircrafts

The GR I/36 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 :

  • 1 Bloch MB131
  • 10 Potez 63-11

 

 


Casualties

Crewmen killed
11
Captain LAURENT (Mistake)
November 22, 1939
Segent CLEMENCEAU (Mistake)
November 22, 1939
Sub-Lieutenant MARCUSSE (Combat)
May 12, 1940
Adjutant HAURE (Combat)
May 12, 1940
Lieutenant PIERRAT (Combat)
May 14, 1940
Captain LOUCHARD (combat)
May 14, 1940
Staff-Sergeant DE-MONTS-DE-SAVASSE (Combat)
June 5, 1940
Sergeant GUILLE (Combat)
June 5, 1940
Captain CHASTANET (Combat)
June 6, 1940
Adjutant MAYENCON (combat)
June 6, 1940
Sergeant Robert JOST (Combat)
June 6, 1940
Crewmen injured
4
Lieutenant PIERRAT (Mistake)
November 22, 1939
Chief Warrant Officer LOUSSALEZ (Mistake)
November 22, 1939
Staff-Sergeant FEVRE (Combat)
May 14, 1940
Captain PERROTTE (Combat)
May 19, 1940
Crewmen prisoners
5
Captain LARMIER
May 10, 1940
Staff-Sergeant FEVRE
May 14, 1940
Captain PERROTTE
May 19, 1940
Sergeant CAZENAVE
May 19, 1940
Sergeant DE-STAMPA
May 19, 1940

 


Sources

- 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
- ...