Historical
On September 1st, 1939,
Lanveoc-Poulmic's training section was transformed into a 2S-3 Exploration
Squadron. It is first equipped with Levasseur PL10 and PL14, but
will be equipped with the Levasseur PL101 from the AB-2 Squadron.
In October, the unit
joined the base of Mardyck, near Dunkirk, where it will carry out
missions of surveillance and convoy escort. In January, Lieutenant
LAUNAY, unit boss, and DUPONT, commander of 3S6 Squadron, exchange
their commands.
In March 1940, 2S-3
Squadron was converted into an Airborne Bombing Squadron. The crews
receive a specific training for landing and take-off on a fixed
platform before moving on to April, to real exercises on the Béarn
aircraft carrier. It is expected that squadron 2S-3, after transformation
on Loire-Nieuport LN411, become AB-5. PL101 levellers in the unit
are therefore assigned to 2S-4, and aircrew, other than pilots,
are assigned to other units. The pilots join the base of Hourtin,
to receive the qualification of fighter pilots.
But with the acceleration
of events, the creation of the AB-5 Squadron is finally canceled,
and the ex 2S-3 pilots are divided between the AB-2 and AB-4 Squadrons
who suffered heavy losses. .
