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Crews of Reconnaissance

1019 Reconnaissance crew members are listed bellow in alphabetical order.

A-B C D E-F-G H-I-J-K L M N-O-P-Q R-S T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

Name
Rank
Unit
Post
Informations
Civil-statut
Photo
Indiv. Card
Citations
ABOUT
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On June 15, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.857, damaged by the Flak is forced to land in the countryside. The crew is unscathed.    
ACHAINTRE Claude
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
On 21 September 1939, despite being protected by a Morane 406, his aircraft, Potez 39 no. 50, was shot down by fighters. Unhurt, Staff Sergeant Claude ACHAINTRE managed to land the aircraft in the field.    
ADER Franck
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
     
AGACCIO
Commander
GAO I/551
   
AGOUTIN Georges - Désiré
Lieutenant
Pilot

A graduate of an agricultural college, Georges AGOUTIN enlisted in July 1915 for the duration of the conflict. He was gassed in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. He ended the war with the rank of maréchal des logis.
In 1939, Georges AGOUTIN was again mobilised as a lieutenant in the air force. During missions over Italy, he was wounded and treated in Blida, Algeria. He returned to France on 17 July 1940. In April 1941, he joined the Resistance and became an Intelligence Officer. Under the pseudonym "Alain AGNIOL or AGNIEL", he became head of a network within the SR Kléber/SR Air network, recruiting André GARDES, a former comrade-in-arms in GAO 504 (see André GARDES later in this page).
But he was arrested on 17 May 1942, at the same time as André GARDES, who had come to give him information. His partner and daughter Jeanine were also arrested but released a few days later.
He was interrogated and tortured before being transferred to Fresnes prison, where he learned in January 1943 that his wife had been arrested again. He was tried on 11 January 1943 along with 12 other prisoners and sentenced to death. The sentences of five of the convicts were changed during deportation (none of the five returned from the camps...) but the other seven convicts, including Georges AGOUTIN and André GARDES, were also put to the sword on 30 April 1943, on the Ministry of the Air's shooting range.
Georges AGOUTIN was posthumously appointed Captain and awarded the Médaille de la Résistance.

Source : "Le Maitron" - https://fusilles-40-44.maitron.fr/spip.php?article169707

Born on 22 September 1897 in Mesnil sur Estrée (27 - Eure)
Killed on 30 April 1943 in Paris (75)
     
ALEXANDRE Daniel
Lieutenant
Observer
Seconded observer from the French Army      
ALIAS Henri - Jean
Commander
Commander of Group

A former Saint-Cyrien with a General Staff certificate, he joined the Air Force in October 1923.

In May 1945, Henri ALIAS, then Colonel, created the "Groupement des Moyens Militaires de Transport Aérien" (GMMTA).

He later became the CEO of "Air Algérie".

Born in Paris on 24 May 1901
Died in Versailles (78 - Yvelines) on 17 July 1985
 
ALLAIRE Robert
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
Assigned to GR I/35 on May 28, 1940 from GAO 516.
On June 16, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.610 was shot down in a fight against 27 Me109 ... The aircraft crashes into German territory and the crew Wounded, is initially taken prisoner, but will succeed to escape on June 18th.
Born on 5 January 1913 in Paris
Died in Versailles (78 - Yvelines) on 12 January 1981
AMARGER
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 518
Pilot
Wounded in aerial combat on May 15, 1940    
AMARRE
Lieutenant
Observer
On September 25, 1939, Potez 637 No.31 was hit by the Flak, before being attacked by 6 Me109. The Aircraft crashes into flames. The three crew members are injured    
ANCET Victor - Marie
Lieutenant
Observer and Crew Chief 4th Squ.

Affected to 22 Wing on October 10, 1937. At that time, this unit was a Bombing Wing, which became a Reconnaissance Wing in February 1939.

See individual fact sheet in the "Stories" section of this page

Born in Saint-Jean du Gard (30 - Gard) on 5 October 1911
Died at Antibes (06 - Alpes-Maritimes) on 8 October 2000
   
ANDRE Yves
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On June 9, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.198 was severely hit several times by the flak and crashed on landing on Buc's ground. Sergeant ANDRE is injured.  
ANDRES Emile - Gabriel
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
Joined the Group on May 22, 1940 from GAO 586.
His Aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No582 is shot down by the Flak on May 22, 1940. The sub-Lieutenant ANDRES, unharmed, is made prisoner.
Born in Six Fours Les Plage (83 - Var) on 28 August 1905
Died 16 September 1990 at Aix Les Bains
ANDREVA Pierre
Capiain
Observer
Pierre ANDREVA was killed on 21 July 1948 when the Wellington LP650 F-UGWR in which he was a passenger ditched off the coast of Sète. The aircraft belonged to EARS 99 (Escadrille Aérienne de Recherche et de Sauvetage). Born on 2 February 1910
Killed on 21 July 1948 off the coast of Sète
     
ANTHONIOZ Jean - Charles
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
  Born in Montbazon (37 - Indre et Loire) on 22 May 1904
Died at Tours (37 - Indre et Loire) on 12 October 2005
     
ANTOINE
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
         
APERCE
Master-Corporal
Machine-Gunner
On May 15, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.439 is severely hit by the Flak and must land, train back, campaign. The aircraft is destroyed, but the crew is unscathed.  
ARIE Max
Sergeant
GAO II/508
Machine-Gunner
Wounded in aerial combat on June 5, 1940    
ARINO Joseph
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 518
Machine-Gunner
Killed in aerial combat on May 15, 1940    
ARIS
Sergeant
Pilot
On February 24, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.2 crashes on the ground during a flying flight during a ferry mission. The crew is injured    
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)
 
AUBERT
Captain
Assistant to the Group Commande
       
AUBREE Lucien - Joseph
Commander
Commander of Group
On 15 October 1944, Major Lucien AUBREE was appointed provisional Commander of the Orléans Bricy base. Born 25 May 1896, Paris (75)
Died at Itteville (91 - Essonne) on 2 August 1973
 
AUGE Jean - Baptiste
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On June 21, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.489 is shot down by the Flak: the Sub-Lieutenant AUGE is killed. Born on 1 May 1918 at Panzin (07 - Ardèche)
Killed on 21 June 1940 at Saint Sébastien sur Loire (44 - Loire Atlantique)
AUZEING Jean
Lieutenant
Observer
On May 27, 1940, Potez 63-11 No. 679 was seriously hit by the Flak and crashed. The crew is unscathed, manages to leave the aircraft before its explosion. Born on 14 March 1912 in Cannes (06 - Alpes-Maritimes)
Died at Montpellier (34 - Hérault) on 24 November 1996
AVON
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
The Potez 63-11 No.355 is damaged by the Flak on June 13, 1940, but he can join his field. Sergeant AVON is unscathed.    
AZAMBRE Maurice
Staff-Sergeant
from May 1940
Machine-Gunner
  Born on 17 July 1907      
BACHELOT
Captain
GAO 553
Observer
Wounded in aerial combat on May 16, 1940    
BAGREL Louis - Marie
Adjutant
Machine-Gunner
On April 16, 1940, his Aircraft, Bloch MB174 No16 was destroyed in a fight with the opponent at 2 Me109. The Aircraft crashes to the ground and ignites. Adjutant BAGREL is killed. Born on 27 November 1909 in Baccarat (54- Meurthe et Moselle)
Killed on 16 April 1940 at Longlier (Belgium)
BAIL Albert - Jean
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
On March 21, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.255 crashes after an engine failure. The crew is killed Born on 26 May 1910 at Trégunc (29 - Finistère)
Killed on 21 March 1940 at Barly (80 - Somme)
BAILLY Paul
Commander
Commander of the Group GR II/36 afeter Commander POUTIER
Commandant Bailly was a veteran of the French Air Force who fought in the Djebel operations in 1926, during which he was severely wounded.
He also took part in the Black Cruise in November 1933.
Previously assigned to the Air Force General Staff, Commander Paul BAILLY replaced Commander POUTIER in December 1939.
He left the Group on 3rd June 1940.
In 1942, he joined the FAFL and took command of GB n°1 on 23 August 1943.
In 1955, he became Chief of Staff of the French Air Force. He was granted aircrew leave in September 1959.
Paul Bailly was killed in a road accident on 31 May 1976, aged 72.
Born on 2 September 1903 in Nice (06 - Alpes-Maritimes)
Killed on 31 May 1976 at Ligny-En-Barrois (55 - Meuse)
 
BALBIANO Roger - Firmin
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
Killed on June 16, 1940 aboard Potez 63-11 No. 844 shot down by the Flak. Born on 11 July 1903 at Ferrières (80 - Somme)
Killed at Etampes (73 - Savoie) on 16 June 1940
BALIGANT
Staff-Sergeant
Observer
   
BALLET Jacques
Lieutenant
Observer
In 1929, after graduating from the Avord Reserve Officers Aviation School, he joined the 34th Aviation Regiment in Digny. He joined the GAO III/551 at the mobilization on September 3, 1939. Born in Neufchateau.      
BARAT Gilbert
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 513
Observer
   
BARBARIN Maxime
Master-Corporal
GAO 517
Machine-Gunner
Wounded in aerial combat on June 8, 1940    
BARBIER
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
Wounded on December 23, 1939 aboard a Mureaux 115: the aircraft, in foggy weather, crashes on landing.  
BARBIER Léo - Arthur
Adjutant
Pilot

On March 24th, 1940, the Potez 637 No.36 is shot down during a fight opposing it to 4 Me109. The plane crashes to the ground. Adjutant BARBIER is injured

Léo BARBIER, then Second Lieutenant, was killed on 15 October 1943 in Russia while serving with the Normandy-Niemen Fighter Group.

Born on 18 August 1908 in Neuilly-l'Evèque (52 - Haute-Marne)
Killed on 15 October 1943 in Ivanovo (Russia)
BARDOL Joseph - Honoré
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
Sub-Lieutenant Joseph BARDOL was wounded on 20 June 1940. Born on 7 March 1916 in Merlimont (62 - Pas de Calais)
Died at Lagny-sur-Marne (77 - Seine et Marne) on 2 July 2007
   
BARET Gilbert
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 513
Observer
       
BARLIER
Sub-Lieutenant
           
BARON Charles
Sergeant
GAO 515
Pilot
   
BARRIBERE
Sergeant
GAO 543
Flight Mechanic
         
BARRUET Gaston
Commander
Gaston BARRUET enlisted in December 1909 and was posted to the Artillery.
During the 1st World War, he fought first in France before joining the Armée d'Orient in January 1916. Wounded, he returned to Metropolitan France in March 1917. He fought again, still as an artilleryman, until the end of the war.
He joined the Air Force at the end of 1918 and obtained his Air Observer's Certificate in October 1919, then his Pilot's Certificate in September 1920.
He continued his career between the two wars, taking part in the Moroccan Campaign in 1920 and 1921.
In 1934, following injuries to his right leg and the after-effects of malaria, he was declared 40% invalided out, but continued his service.
He joined the GR II/22 in March 1937 as Deputy Commander before taking over as Group Commander in May 1937.

During the French Campaign, Major Gaston BARRUET did not hesitate to take part in certain day and night missions.
After the Armistice of June 1940, he left the GR II/22 in August 1940 and was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1940.

His career was impeccable: he was promoted Officer of the Legion of Honour in July 1933, then Commander of the Legion of Honour in December 1940. He received 7 commendations and 4 wounds, including 3 during the Moroccan Campaign.

During the Occupation, he held a number of administrative posts, including Chairman of the Commandant d'Assistance aux Prisonniers.
However, because of his support for Marshal Pétain and his behaviour during the Occupation, he was sentenced on 18 July 1945 by the Orléans Court of Justice to 20 years of national degradation and a 10-year ban on residing in the Loiret département for national indignity.
Never ceasing to denounce the injustice of which he was a victim, he made repeated representations to the authorities in order to be rehabilitated. In 1948, the sentence of national degradation was reduced to 10 years, and the ban on residence was lifted. He was definitively amnestied in January 1951 and was reinstated in the Order of the Legion of Honour by decree on 30 June 1952.

Below, you can read the letter written by Gaston BARRUET to explain the facts that led to his conviction. But let's be careful about events that took place during the troubled and complex times of the Occupation and the Liberation. Gaston Barruet has a remarkable record of service, unfortunately marred by this history, which is not ours to judge.

Source : https://www.leonore.archives-nationales.culture.gouv.fr/ui/notice/19088

Born on 10 March 1891 at la Chapelle Saint-Mesnin (45 - Loiret)
Died 10 March 1962
 
BARSE
Captain
Observer
On May 17, 1940, his aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No. 219, hit by the Flak, must land in the countryside where he is burned by the unharmed crew.    
BATTLE Sébastien
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 517
Pilot
Wounded in aerial combat on June 8, 1940    
BAUD Hippolyte
Captain
Pilot
On May 13, 1940, his aircraft, a Potez 63-11, crashes, for unknown reasons, into a forest shortly after his departure for a night mission. The crew is killed. Born June 8, 1904 at Fouras (17 - Charente-Maritime)
Killed May 13, 1940 at Couvron (02 - Aisne)
BAUDENON Jean-Marie
Chief Warrant Officer
Machine-Gunner
Born on 2 July 1901 at Izieux (42 - Loire)
Killed on 10 March 1940 at Saint-Etienne (42 - Loire)
 
BAUDENS Albert - René
Chief Warrant Officer
Pilot
Born in La Motte au Bois (59 - Nord) on 1 February 1901
Died at La Motte au Bois on 12 September 1971
   
BAUDIN
Sergeant
on 1st June 1940
Pilot
Joined the Group on June 1, 1940 with Bloch MB174 No.13    
BAUDIN
Sergeant
GAO 543
Machine-Gunner
         
BAYLE
Staff-Sergeant
GAO I/584
Pilot
   
BAYLE
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot

On June 15, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.857, damaged by the Flak is forced to land in the countryside. The crew is unscathed.

Pierre BAYLE was killed in German airspace in February 1945 while serving as a pilot with GB 2/23 Guyenne.

Born on 17 April 1914 in Bordeaux (33 - Gironde)
Killed on 21 February 1945 in Meisenheim (Germany)
 
BEAGUE
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner 3rd Squ.
         
BEAU
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer 3rd Sqn.
Received the war cross on June 6, 1940.        
BEAUVAIS
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
       
BEAUVALLET Jean
Adjutant
GAO I/508
Machine-Gunner
Wounded in aerial combat on May 18, 1940    
BECKER Jean
Lieutenant
GAO 515
Observer
Wounded in aerial combat on June 19, 1940    
BEDIEZ Maurice - André
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On April 16, 1940, his Aircraft, Bloch MB174 No16 was destroyed in a fight with the opponent at 2 Me109. The Aircraft crashes to the ground and ignites. Sub-Lieutenant BEDIEZ is killed.
Born on March 3rd, 1901 in Aubigny (80 - Somme)
Killed on 16 April 1940 at Longlier (Belgium)
BEGUIN Didier
Sergeant
Pilot

Didier BEGUIN enlisted in the French Air Force in 1937 and joined the Bourges flying school. He obtained his pilot's licence on 25 August 1937. In January 1938, Sergeant Didier BEGUIN was posted to the Groupe Aérien d'Observation GAO 507, where he flew several missions over Mureaux 115 before joining the Officer Cadet Platoon at Tours in January 1940. He then did a conversion course on Potez 63-11s at Toulouse-Francazal, where the Armistice took him by surprise.

In order to continue the fight, he seized a GOELAND Caudron and, with two other people, managed to reach England. He joined the Free French Air Force and was posted to Sutton Flying School before joining Squadron 245 in October 1940 with the rank of Warrant Officer.

He volunteered for the Normandy-Niemen Group and arrived in Russia in December 1942. After a few weeks' training, he took part in combat and was wounded in July 1943. He resumed flying in August 1943, and became Captain, Head of the "Le Havre" Escadrille. In February 1944, having completed his tour of operations exhausted, he was repatriated to France where he resumed fighting in August 1944 with Squadron 130. In October, he became Commander of the "Strasbourg" Squadron of the "Alsace" Fighter Group.

It was shot down by flak on 26 November 1944 in the Arnhem region. At the time, he had flown a total of 415 war missions and won 8 official victories. He is a Knight of the Legion of Honour, holder of the Croix de Guerre 1939-45, Medal of the Resistance and was decorated by Russia for his combat in the Normandie-Niemen.

Born in Paris (75) on 14 December 1918
Killed on 26 November 1944 in Arnhem (Netherlands)
     
BELBEZE Henri - Marc
Captain
Observer
On October 16, 1939, Potez 637 No.42 was shot down by 5 Me109. Captain BELBEZE is killed. Born December 28, 1904, Saint-Etienne (42 - Loire), France
Killed on October 16, 1939 in Hensterberg (Germany)
BENARD              
BENECH Auguste
Staff-Sergeant
GAO 547
Pilot
Killed in aerial combat on May 14, 1940    
BENOÏT
Sub-Lieutenant
           
BENOIST Marcel
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
Killed on June 5, 1940 aboard the Potez 63-11 No. 250 shot by German Fighters. Born in Nice (06 - Alpes-Maritimes) on 20 June 1914
Killed on 5 June 1940 at Senlis (60 - Oise)
BERDELLOU Louis
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 515
Pilot
 
 
BERLAND Robert
Chief Warrant Officer
Pilot
Killed on June 13, 1940 aboard Potez 63-11 No.384 shot down by 6 Me109.  
BERNARD Robert
Staff-Sergeant
GAO 586
Chief Flight Engineer
Killed on May 8, 1940 by accident aboard the Potez 630 No43        
BERNARD
Lieutenant
GAO I/520
Observer
Wounded in aerial combat on September 24, 1939  
 
BERNARD
Captain
Commander of Group
   
BERNARD Michel - Paul
Adjutant
Pilot
Killed aboard Potez 637 No3, shot down during an air fight against 6 Me109 on November 5, 1939.
Born on June 27, 1907 in Rambervillers (88 - Vosges)
Killed on 05 November 1939 (3 km north-west of Britten, Germany)
BERNARDIE René
Staff-Sergeant
GAO 513
Pilot
   
BERNET Robert
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner�
- May 12, 1940, his aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No180 is badly damaged in an aerial combat with 4 Me109, and crashes in the airfield: the crew is unscathed.
- May 15, 1940, his Aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No192 is hit by the Flak and crashes into a field. Sergeant BERNET, unscathed, parachutes.
 
BERNHEIM Pierre
Lieutenant
GAO I/506
Observer
       
BEROISSARD
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
     
BERTAUX Maurice - Joseph
Captain
Pilot
On June 2, 1940, during a test flight, Bloch MB 174 No.29 went into a spin and crashed to the ground. The crew was killed. Born on 16 April 1910 at Saint-Seine en Bâche (21 - Côte d'Or)
Killed on 2 June 1940 at Pleurs (51 - Marne)
BERTHE
Chief-Warrant Officer
Oberver
         
BERTHET Jean - Théophile
Lieutenant
Oberver
  Born on 21 October 1919 in Nantes (44 - Loire-Atlantique)
Died in Saclay (91 - Essone) on 18 January 2010
     
BERTHEUX Charles
Lieutenant
GAO 547
Observer
Killed in aerial combat on May 14, 1940    
BERTHEZENE
Sergeant
GAO II/520
Machine-Gunner
Killed by accident on January 25, 1940    
BERTHON René
Sergeant
Pilot
René BERTHON later became a B26 Marauders pilot at Bron.        
BERTRAND
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner 3rd Squ.
         
BERVEILLER Fran�ois
Captain
GAO 543
Pilot
Killed in aerial combat on June 9, 1940    
BESSET Georges
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO 515
Observer
       
BIENVAULT Roland - Paul
Lieutenant
Pilot
Born in Bourges (18 - Cher) on 14 January 1915
Died at Nice (06 - Alpes-Maritimes) on 8 February 1990
 
BIKOWETZ
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On 20 May 1940, his aircraft, Potez 63-11 n°440, was shot down during a battle with 6 Me109s. Second Lieutenant BIKOWETZ was taken prisoner with minor facial burns.    
BILLOT
Commander
GAO 513
   
BIOLETTI Jean - Louis
Master-Corporal
Machine-Gunner
On September 27, 1939, the Potez 637 No.4 is shot down by 9 Me109: The crew is killed Born June 9, 1917 at Saint-Laurent (88 - Vosges)
Killed on September 27, 1939 at Tenteling (57 - Moselle)
 
BIOUSSE Henri
Staff-sergeant
Pilot
     
BIRON Fernand - Georges
Commander
Commander of the Group GR II/55 Born on 31 July 1898 in Sainte-Honorine-du-Fay (14 - Calvados)
Died at Nice (06 - Alpes-Maritimes) on 17 January 1982
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)
BISSON André - Louis
Commander
Staff Group
Commander of the Group GR I/55 Born 9 June 1919, Caen (14 - Calvados)
Died at Couchey (21 - Côte d'Or) on 20 October 1987
 
BITSCH
Captain
Commander of Group
   
BIZET Pierre - Eugène
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
Killed on June 16, 1940 aboard Potez 63-11 No. 844 shot down by the Flak. Born on 10 June 1914 at Vracy le Mont (60 - Oise)
Killed on 16 June 1940 at Etampes (73 - Savoie)
BLANCHARD  
Pilot
         
BLANCHARD
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
- January 13, 1940, Staff-Sergeant BLANCHARD is forced to evacuate in flight his aircraft, a bloch MB131 caught in the mist.He poses indeme in the countryside.
- On June 5, 1940, his aircraft, the Potez 63-11 No216 is shot down in a fight with the opponent at 7 Me109 and crashes. Staff-Sergeant BLANCHARD is unscathed.
Received the war cross on June 6, 1940.
 
BLANCHET Michel - Ivan
Sub-Lieutenant
Machine-Gunner
On June 5, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No. 588 was shot down by German Fighters. The crew is killed. Born August 21, 1918 in Paris
Killed on June 5, 1940 at Campneuseville (76 - Seine-Maritime)
BLANCHOT
Corporal
Machine-Gunner
On October 30, 1939, during a night reconnaissance mission, his aircraft, a Potez 63-11, hit by enemy fire, must land in open country but ended his race in a pylon: the crew is unscathed    
BLANCHOT Hubert - Armand
Staff-Sergeant
Mechanic
On June 2, 1940, during a test flight, Bloch MB 174 No.29 went into a spin and crashed to the ground. The crew was killed. Born on 16 February 1914 at Jasney (70 - Haute-Saône)
Killed on 2 June 1940 at Pleurs (51 - Marne)
BLEUSTEIN-BLANCHET Marcel
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
Marcel BLEUSTEIN was the youngest of nine children born to Élise and Abraham BLEUSTEIN, a Russian emigrant of Jewish origin living in Paris. Marcel BLEUSTEIN, who was not a very attentive pupil, soon left school and, from the age of fourteen, was self-taught, following in the footsteps of his father, a furniture salesman. He was also influenced by his mother, who was involved in a number of charities.
In 1926, he went into advertising and, with his brother Georges, set up Société Publicis, going against the advice of his father, who had little faith in this type of business... But his company enjoyed great success and in 1935 he acquired the private radio station "Radio LL", which he renamed "Radio Cité". It was through this new radio station that Edith PIAF sang for the first time on the airwaves. Running this radio station gave him the opportunity to meet many of the leading political figures of the day and to extend his influence.

In 1939, Marcel BLEUSTEIN, a qualified civilian pilot, was logically mobilised as a pilot in the French Air Force and fought with GAO 504.

But after the Armistice, the Germans seized all his assets. He also lost the Société Publicis and, of course, Radio Cité.
With a price on his head, he went to London to escape the occupying forces and, under the pseudonym "BLANCHET", fought with the French Forces of the Interior and then with the Free French Forces. For his active commitment to the struggle, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 and the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur.
After the war, in 1954, Marcel BLEUSTEIN obtained the right, by government decree (!) to add his Resistance alias "BLANCHET" to his surname. Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet took over the reins of Publicis and turned it into the leading national and then European advertising group. And it was when the Publicis Group set up in the United States that he introduced opinion polls in France, inspired by the American methods of Georges Gallup, inventor of the modern poll. The Group then went global and became the 3rd largest communications group in the world, under the impetus of Maurice Levy, Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet's successor.
Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet also wrote several books, including "Sur mon antenne", "La Rage de convaincre", "Mémoires d'un lion" and "La Nostalgie du futur", which earned him guest status on radio and television programmes such as Bernard Pivot's Bouillon de culture and Jacques Chancel's Le Grand Échiquier.

His death led to a succession dispute between his heirs, which was only settled two years later by an agreement.....

Born in Enghien Les Bains (95 - Val d'Oise) on 21 August 1906
Died 11 April 1996 in Paris (75)
     
BLIN
Lieutenant
   
BLONDEL Brice
Caporal
Machine-Gunner
- On April 30, 1940, Bloch MB174 No18 was destroyed on take-off following a speeding down. Corporal BLONDEL is unharmed. - On June 9, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No665 was shot down by the Flak during a reconnaissance flight at low altitude. The crew, wounded, is taken prisoner. "    
BOIGNES
Captain
GAO II/514
Observer
Wounded in aerial combat on October 27, 1939    
BOIRE
Adjutant
   
BOLLE Pierre
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO II/506
Observer�
Killed in aerial combat on June 4, 1940    
BOLO Paul - Ernest
Sub-Lieutenant
Machine-Gunner
Killed on March 17, 1940 in a target shooting exercise: the aircraft, the Potez 63-11 n° 590 hit the cable and sink at sea Born November 22, 1915 in Nantes (44 - Loire-Atlantique)
Killed on March 17, 1940 off Port-Saint-Louis-Du-Rhône (13 - Bouches du Rhône)
 
BONNAL Louis - François
Lieutenant
Observer
On September 20, 1939, the Mureaux 115 No. 21, badly damaged following a fight against the 5 Me109, must land in the field. Lieutenant BONNAL is seriously injured. Born on 28 April 1910 in Exireuil (79 - Deux-Sèvres)
Died at Nice (06 - Alpes-Maritimes) on 25 December 2003
BONNET Jean
Caporal
Machine-Gunner
Jean BONNET had joined the Air Force to be able to continue his studies, but the Alemmande offensive forced him to leave the platoon of reserve officer cadets at the Avord base; the cadets were quickly allocated to units without taking into account the real level of the officer cadets. Jean BONNET was therefore posted to GAO 510 with the rank of corporal. He went to the Toulouse-Francazal base for a fortnight of express training on the Potez 63-11 and returned with the qualification of Machine Gunner - Bomber - Radio. He was appointed Sergeant on 14 June 1940.
On 16 June 1940, he replaced at short notice the machine-gunner initially assigned to this mission, who had suffered a toothache. His aircraft, the Potez 63-11 n°415, was hit by flak and landed in the field. Unhurt, the crew set fire to the aircraft before attempting to rejoin their Group, but were taken prisoner 3 days later after a journey through the French countryside in an attempt to reach the front lines.
Jean BONNET was interned in Stalag XII A in Limburg-and der Lahn (Hesse).
   
BONNEVAL
Adjutant
Machine-Gunner
   
BOQUIEN Jean - Gabriel
Sub-Lieutenant
Born on 19 February 1915 in Nantes (44 - Loire-Atlantique)
Died in Nantes on 8 October 2010
   
BOUDINIER Emile - Maxime
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On June 5, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No. 588 was shot down by German Fighters. The crew is killed. Born April 10, 1915 at Levergies (02 - Aisne)
Killed on June 5, 1940 at Campneuseville (76 - Seine-Maritime)
BOUGEROL Jacques - Albert
Lieutenant
Observer

Reserve Lieutenant from the E.O.R., ... and Reverend Father, he joined the GR II/33 in May 1940.

He became Chaplain General of the French Air Force, notably in Indochina, and published numerous works on Saint-Bonaventure.

Born on 9 November 1908 in Paris (75)
Died 3 August 1997 at Saint-Mandé (94 - Val de Marne)
     
BOUILLER René
Chief Warrant Officer
GAO 513
Pilot
       
BOULANGER              
BOULARD Pierre - Charles
Lieutenant
Observer
On January 10, 1940, POTE 63-11 No.184 and shot down by 4 BF109. The crew is killed. Born on 2 November 1914 at Nimes (30 - Gard)
Killed on 10 January 1940 at Felkirch (68 - Haut-Rhin)
 
BOULAY
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
May 7, 1940, Bloch MB174 No.40 crashes shortly after takeoff. The aircraft is destroyed, but the crew is unscathed.    
BOULLE
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
   
BOUR
sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
       
BOUR Georges - Edouard
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On May 13, 1940, his aircraft, a Potez 63-11, crashes, for unknown reasons, into a forest shortly after his departure for a night mission. The crew is killed. Born August 17, 1913 in Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville (Vietnam)
Killed May 13, 1940 at Couvron (02 - Aisne)
 
BOURDON
Sergeant
Pilot
 
BOURGOIN René - Léon
Lieutenant
Observer
On May 22, 1940, his aircraft, a Potez 63-11 was hit by the Flak during a low-altitude mission. The Pilot is seriously injured and it is the Observer, Lieutenant BOURGOIN who succeeds in bringing the aircraft back to the ground and putting the train back in. Born on 17 May 1916 in Carry-le-Rouet (13 -
Bouches du Rhône)
Died in Marseille (13 - Bouches du Rhône) on 10 March 2012
BOURHIS Jean - Marie
Sub-Lieutenant
Pilot
On May 15, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.439 is severely hit by the Flak and must land, train back, campaign. The aircraft is destroyed, but the crew is unscathed.
He was killed on April 18, 1943 in Algeria while serving with Groupe de Bombardement GB 2/52.
Born July 19, 1906 in Pont-Croix (29 - Finistère)
Killed on April 18, 1943 at Valmy (Algeria)
BOURREAUD-QUIGNARD Robert - Emile
Lieutenant
Observer
October 12, 1912 in Corneille le Royal (14 - Calvados)
Died March 10, 1989, Paopao (French Polynesia)
   
BOURSAUS Georges
Captain
Pilot and Group Leader
Wounded on June 5, 1940 aboard Potez 63-11 No.365 shot down by 7 Me109.  
BOUTIERE
Adjutant
Pilot
     
BOUTIN
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
         
BOUVRY Raymond Louis
Staff-Sergeant
Pilot
Killed on 9 September 1939 aboard Bloch MB131 No92, shot down during an aerial combat with two ME109s. Born in Paris
Killed on September 9, 1939 at Sarreguemines (57 - Moselle)
 
BOUYAY
Sergeant
GAO 545
Machine-Gunner
   
BOYER
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
         
BRABANT Roger - Jules
Lieutenant
Observer
May 13, 1940, Bloch MB174 No.11 is shot down by 3 Me109. The crew is killed. Born on 1st June 1909 at Valenciennes (59 - Nord)
Killed at Niecy (55 - Meuse) on 13 May 1940
BRAGADIR
Lieutenant
Pilot
On May 15, 1940, his aircraft, Potez 63-11 No.389 was shot down by 7 Me109. Lieutenant BRAGADIR, unscathed, managed to put his aircraft in the open countryside.    
BRAGEOT
Adjudant
         
BRARD Raymond - Robert
Adjutant
Pilot
On September 26, 1939, the Potez 637 No.46 is shot down by German fighters and the Flak. Adjutant BRARD wounded, parachute but is taken prisoner, Born on 5 August 1911
BRIAS
Sergeant
GAO I/508
Pilot
Wounded in aerial combat on June 14, 1940    
BRISSAULT
Adjutant
Pilot
         
BROISSAND
Sub-Lieutenant
GAO II/514
Pilot
   
BRUGEROLLES Elie
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On March 24th, 1940, the Potez 637 No.36 is shot down during a fight opposing it to 4 Me109. The plane crashes to the ground. Sub-Lieutenant BRUGEROLLES is killed. Born on 18 March 1912 at Asnières (27 - Eure)
Killed at Armesvillers on 24 March 1940
BRULLOT Marcel
Chief Warrant Officer
Machine-Gunner
 
BRUN
Adjutant
Machine-Gunner
   
BRUN René - Denis
Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On May 19, 1940, Potez 63-11 No.673 was hit by the Flak and crashed into flames. The crew is killed. Born on 12 May 1909 at Lyon (69 - Rhône)
Killed on 19 May 1940 at Saint Germainmont (08 - Ardennes)
BRUNE Gaston - Joseph
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On May 20, 1940, the Potez 63-11 No.430 was hit by the Flak, and trying to stabilize the aircraft, the pilot struck power lines and crashed to the ground. Sub-Lieutenant BRUNE is killed. Born 28 September 1918 at Cerdon (01 - Ain)
Killed on 20 May 1940 at Bucy-le-Long (02 - Aisne)
BRUNERIE Roger - Lucien
Sub-Lieutenant
Observer
On May 25, 1940, returning from a night mission, the Potez 637 No.35 crashes on landing. Sub-Lieutenant BRUNERIE, injured, is the only survivor. Born in Paris on 2 November 1916
Died in Toulouse (31 - Haute-Garonne) on 16 April 1972
BUISSIERE
Captain
GAO II/508
   
BURCELIN
Master-Corporal
Machine-Gunner
On May 15, 1940, his aircraft, Potez 63-11 No.389 was shot down by 7 Me109. The Pilot manages to put his aircraft in the open countryside. Master Corporal BURCELIN is unharmed.    
BURCKHARDT René
Adjutant
Pilot
     
BUSSCHAERT Pierre
Sergeant
GAO 582
Pilot
Killed by accident on June 3, 1940    
BUTZ Alphonse - Paul
Staff-Sergeant
Machine-Gunner
On May 25, 1940, returning from a night mission, the Potez 637 No.35 crashes on landing. Staff Sergeant BUTZ is killed. Born on 17 January 1908 at Neuves-maisons (54 - Meurthe et Moselle)
Killed on 25 May 1940 at Vengiron d'Attigny (08 - Ardennes)