Promotion « Astier de Villatte »

[keith A]

Can anyone tell me if Gabriel Gauthier was part of this course? And also details of the course itself? Subjects, aircraft flown, graduation date (1938?)

Also would Edmond Marin la Meslee (a reserve officer promoted to the active list) be an instructor on this course?

regards

Keith

[Bertrand H]

Hi,

Promotion "Astier de Villate" is 1936. (1938 is "Lt-col MAilloux")

Yes Gabriel Gauthier comes from this course of Ecole de l'Air

Edmond Marin la Meslée comes also from a course of 1936 but it is Ecole Militaire de l'Air.

Bertrand

[keith A]

Thanks Bertrand. In addition I have found that GaUthier was indeed on the Astier de Villatte promotion, alongside Robert Thollon, Marcel Stenou and Maurice de Steynes.

regards

Keith

[keith A]

I assume his instruction would include flights in the Potez 25, Lioire 20 and MS315?

regards

Keith

[Bertrand H]

Hi,

A quick look inside a logbook of one of the 84 active officer gives flights on Potez 25, Léo 20, Hanriot 182, MS315, MS230 and Pz540 for their 22 months of school and training.

Bertrand

[keith A]

Superb Bertrand, that's exactly what I was looking for,

regards

Keith

[keith A]

A question. At what point in their training were those who were potential pilots separated from observers? There seems to be an indication that the EA grouped them together, but no indication when they were separated to follow another specialisation. I assume from the very sparse information in English on the web (and in French?) that there must have been a point when they were sent to train as pilots and then after as fighter or bomber pilots?

Forgive my ignorance, I have several books by Jean Gisclon and CJE but my command of French language is probably not as good as it should be. My interest is in the career of Gabriel Gauthier both pre and post war. He was an active participant in the development of the Armee de l'Air as you know.

regards

Keith