A-24 42-54750
On 16 October 1943, the PICARDIE bombing group (GB 1/17) was established in Damascus, drawing from elements of the Levant surveillance squadron, which historically encompassed the areas now known as Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Initially, Groupe Bombardement 1/17 operated Bristol Blenheims and Potez fighters. In March 1944, a third unit received 20 Douglas A-24B Banshees for coastal reconnaissance and anti-submarine patrols. After gaining proficiency in operating and maintaining these aircraft, a portion of the unit’s personnel was reassigned in August 1944 to form another unit in Mouzaiville, Algeria.
This new unit, GB 1/18 Vendee, received a fresh batch of aircraft and began training for their role in the invasion of France post-D-Day (6 June 1944). Upon completing their training, GB 1/18 moved to the Cognac region in France, tasked with harassing retreating German forces. Under the command of Commander Lapios, the unit’s operations mirrored those of many Allied aerial units in France, continually moving to follow the enemy’s retreat. Despite the Luftwaffe being largely depleted, German units still posed a threat with anti-aircraft weapons. Attack briefings often prioritized disabling these AA guns before targeting convoys, a strategy that sometimes resulted in casualties from low-flying maneuvers over difficult terrain.
By the end of the war in September 1945, the original batch of 40 aircraft was retired due to wear and tear, replaced by 55 new Banshees primarily used for training at Mekens in Morocco until 1953. However, four aircraft (serial numbers 54551, 54688, 54692, and 54760) were destroyed on 19 March 1946 when a Dewoitine D520 fighter crashed into their hangar.
In addition to major units, minor French Air Force units also operated during this period. In November 1942, a small liaison and training section existed in Rabat-Ville, later renamed the Air Maroc Air Liaison Section (SLAAM) in February 1943, growing to 14 aircraft by June 1945. On 1 October 1945, SLAAM was redesignated as ELA46, operating Miles Martinet trainers, Douglas A-24B Banshees, and Stinson Reliants. ELA 46 was relocated on 1 June 1960 from BA 150 in Rabat-Ville to BA 151 at Rabat-Sale, and by January 1961, it had moved to Kenitra Air Base 362 in Morocco. After this relocation, ELA 46 likely disbanded, as no further records of the unit or its aircraft exist.
Another unit, 2/61 Franche-Comte, initially a bomber group, maintained a detachment of Martin B-26 Marauders in Blida from October 1946. Integrated into the air transport group (GMMTA) on 15 November 1946, it became transport group 2/62 Franche-Comte (GT 2/62), continuing transport missions to the metropolis, Tunis, and Rabat. The group also briefly used Douglas A-24 Banshees for bombing training and maintaining an alert force until the detachment was disbanded by the end of 1949.