Gabriel GALIN

Source (Photos and text) : Mrs Chantal NENERT and Mr Bernard GALIN, daughter and son of Sergeant Major Gabriel GALIN

The pre-war period:

After completing his technical studies, Gabriel GALIN voluntarily enlisted on 13 October 1930 for 18 months with the Military Administration in Tarbes. He was assigned to the 36th GOA (Groupe d'Ouvriers d'Aviation - Aviation Workers Group) in Pau.
He was admitted to the Air Force Technical School in Rochefort, where on 29 February 1932 he obtained the "Advanced Aircraft Mechanic Certificate" and the Certificate of Competence as an Aircraft Mechanic in the Military Aviation Service.
At the end of his first contract, he re-enlisted on 13 April 1932 for 12 months as a soldier with the Military Intendant of Bordeaux. He retained his assignment to the 36th GAO in Pau.
He was appointed Corporal on 7 November 1932.
He re-enlisted for the third time on 7 April 1933 via the Military Intendant of Pau for six months and was assigned to the 6th 1/2 Air Brigade in Pau.
On 21 September 1933, he confirmed his desire to extend his service in the Air Force with a new 24-month contract.

He was assigned to the 39th RA (Aviation Regiment) of the Levant on 27 March 1934 and was appointed Sergeant specialising in ‘Aircraft Mechanics’ on 1 April 1934.
On 20 June 1934, he boarded the steamship "Mariette Pacha" in Marseille and disembarked in Beirut on 29 June 1934.
On 1 January 1935, he was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Intelligence and Observation Group.
His mission was to accompany the pilots, and he participated in numerous operations, serving not only as a mechanic but also as an observer and intelligence agent.
The Middle East is a dangerous area. The situation in Syria and Lebanon is unstable. In some regions, there is almost constant warfare, with fighting in the streets of Damascus, clashes with the army, bombings and riots. Numerous demonstrations broke out and life could be difficult.

"During a flight to Baghdad, as they were flying over Lake Tiberias, the Potez's engines suddenly stopped, forcing them to land in British territory. It took a fortnight for the defective part to be parachuted down to them, during which time they were able to appreciate the hospitality of the Bedouins, who offered them food in abundance."

On 3 June 1936, he joined the Corps of Career Non-Commissioned Officers, specialising in aircraft mechanics.
His stay in the Levant came to an end, and he boarded the steamship Théophile Gauthier in Beirut on 2 January 1937, arriving in Marseille on 14 January 1937.
He was assigned to the Pau Base and placed on leave until 16 June 1937, which he used to prepare for his wedding.

On 29 April 1937, he married Elise TUCOU in Bizanos (64320). They had three children: Yves, who died in Bizanos on 8 January 1938 after his mother fell while five months pregnant; Bernard, born on 25 January 1939 in Bizanos; and Marie-Chantal, born on 13 January 1943 in Bizanos.

"On 15 September 1937, at around 4 p.m., following mechanical difficulties, the LéO 20 piloted by Lieutenant Chavert, accompanied by Sergeant Galin, made a forced landing in a ditch in Maucor, near Pau. Despite a few bruises and a big scare, the crew escaped unharmed, but the aircraft was seriously damaged."

On 1 April 1938, he obtained his C.A.C. (Certificate of Aptitude for Driving and Command), which reinforced his expertise and mastery of aircraft engine maintenance and led him to take on the responsibilities of Team Leader.
On 4 April 1939, he was promoted to Sergeant Major and assigned to GR I/36 of the Pau Air Base.

The Second World War:
Gabriel GALIN was called up on 17 August 1939. Recognised for his skills and expertise, he was seconded to Melun on 24 January 1940. His mission was to strengthen the protection of Parisian airspace and monitor the French-German border.

"Although the flights he made were without major incident, one morning, during a flight on a Potez 631, they were attacked by a Messerschmitt Bf. 109. Thanks to the skill of the pilot and his crew, they managed to escape and returned to base with considerable damage to the aircraft. The crew escaped without serious injury."

On 31 December 1942, he was promoted to adjutant after completing an advanced training course in Gaillac in the Tarn region, before being granted Armistice leave on 1 January 1943.

On 1 February 1943, he joined the F.F.I (French Forces of the Interior) and became part of the ‘Secret Army of Béarn, Eagle Group’ network alongside Lieutenant-Colonel BOUDOUBE.
As part of his duties within the Resistance, he was awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant, a rank he retained in the Army for ‘Exceptional Service during the War’ from 1 September 1945.

Peace has returned:
On 21 September 1945, Gabriel GALIN was assigned to the Radio Navigant school in Pau.
After an internship in Friedrichshafen, Germany, he was assigned to B.A. 106 in Bordeaux-Mérignac from 1949 to 1952.

From 1952 to 1955, he was assigned to La B.A 279 in Châteaudun, Eure-et-Loir, where he managed the BA's vehicle fleet.
From 1955 to 1961, he was assigned to the Mont de Marsan Landes Air Base (BA 118), where he managed the base's equipment storage department.
On 20 June 1955, he was awarded the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour in Mont-de-Marsan.
From 1961 to 1965, he was assigned to the Freiburg air base in Brisgau before retiring with the rank of captain.