French Aircraft Assembly Depot in Africa?
 

I ran across a remark that in June 1940 there existed a aircraft assembly/fitting depot in French NW Africa. The remark implied it was set up to assemble US built aircraft & maintain aircraft of all types. Does anyone know if this was infact true, & of any sources where I might confirm it & find details?

I had know the French navy had a considerable maintinace capability in its African bases but had seen nothing thus far on what the FAF might have had circa 1939-40

Thanks for any information or leads

Re: French Aircraft Assembly Depot in Africa?
 

There are several references on the web to the assembly of Douglas DB -7s (version of A-20) in Casablanca. Not sure if it involved American Techs or not.

http://www.joebaugher.com/usattack/a20_23.html

Re: French Aircraft Assembly Depot in Africa?
 

Thanks, that refered to the DB-7 AKA A20, AKA Havoc. I'm wondering if the Casablanca facility also assembled the Martin bombers or the fighters. Or if there was a similar high level maintinace capability for French aircraft. So far I've turned up a lot of stuff to read though, but very few facts or goood sources. Thanks very much for this item.

Re: French Aircraft Assembly Depot in Africa?
 

Here is a link about the Martin Bombers and Casablanca. It would appear that Casablanca was a main assembly site.

http://www.americancombatplanes.com/a22_1.html

Re: French Aircraft Assembly Depot in Africa?
 

Thanks again. I've seen a vague remark about a "work up area" in Algeria used by 'bombers'. At this point I am guessing that was some sort of training site for making new squadrons combat ready.

BTW, whats your background in this? Historian, former military, fan?