Defense Patrols are trained
to defend aircraft manufacturing plants or protect strategic sites.
The Chateauroux-La Martinerie
Defense Patrol, is a training composed of Polish pilots responsible
for protecting the Bloch assembly plants installed in Chateauroux.
Officially created on May
11, 1940, it is initially formed by a group of pilot present on
the site since March and training on Bloch 152 since May 2, reinforced
by 4 pilots coming from Lyon.
The formation is supported
by a Civil Patrol, present on the site of Chateauroux-Déols.
The Patrol will repeatedly
meet the enemy, and win 1 Victory.
On June 17, 1940, the Polish
Pilots are delivered to themselves on the basis of Chateauroux,
abandoned by French personnel retreating on Tarbes. Lieutenant
HENNEBERG, patron of the Patrol decides to retreat to Bordeaux
with 5 pilots and all the ground staff.
Arrived on the spot, the
pilots, in agreement with RAF officers present, take back Air
to land in England. They will surrender their aircraft to the
British authorities and resume the fight within the RAF. They
will be joined by the non-sailing staff of the Patrol, the latter
having left Bordeaux by ship on June 18th.
