Historical
The E-8 Squadron was created
to accommodate the future Potez CAMS 141, four-engined long-range
reconnaissance seaplanes, the Latécoère 611 "Achernar"
and the Breguet 730. But, ultimately, only the prototype of the
Potez-CAMS 141 will join the unit and will be the only aircraft
in the E-8 Squadron. The aircraft, called "Antares", carries
out its tests, and will perform its first missions from January
1940, after being declared operational.
The only attack with bombs
will be at the expense of a ... poor whale. Faced with the German
attack, the Potez-CAMS 141 "Antares" left, June 18, 1940,
Lanvéoc-Poulmic to join Biscarosse before leaving the next
day to Casablanca in Morocco. During this flight, one of its engines,
broken down was cut, without that it harms this flight which lasted
more than 10 hours.
The aircraft will finally
reach Port-Liautey on June 22, 1940 after repair, before the prohibition
of theft imposed by the Armistice.
