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Armee de´l Air after the WWII: Colonial Conflicts
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In 1944 the French Naval Aviation (Aeronautique Navale) received 32 SBD-5s for 2 squadrons (flotilles) 3FB and 4FB. The aircraft retained standard USN colors with added French markings. In April 1945 each SBD-5 averaged 3 missions a day in the European theater. In 1946 4FB became 4F and was assigned to the former Royal Navy aircraft carrier Colossus now named Arromanches. In late 1947 during one operation in the Indo-China War 4F flew 200 missions and dropped 65 tons of bombs. 1950 saw the TBM replace the SBD-5s. The French Dauntlesses would be the last of the type to see combat, operating during the Indochina War off the carrier ARROMANCHES. The French Navy removed the Dauntless from combat status in 1949, but the SBD was still operated in the training role until 1953.
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Ah, you slipped in a Helldiver in the second picture there...forshadowing? 
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In 1938 the Curtiss SB2C was ordered by the US Government as a replacement for the SBD Dauntless but with numerous delays didn't reach the first squadrons until 1942. Even then the aircraft was plagued by poor workmanship and substandard material resulting in aerodynamic and structural problems. As each new variant was delivered these defects were corrected and with the last variant, the SB2C-5, Curtiss had a very good aircraft. Besides the US and France four other countries bought the Helldiver SB2C-5, Greece Portugal Thailand and Italy with Italy being the last to retire their aircraft in 1959. The SB2C Helldiver was commonly referred to as "The Beast" because of its size and rather poor handling characteristics. Even with new variants and upgrades the Helldiver never received the credit and respect it deserved. It flew faster and further than the Avenger, except for range it beat the SBD in every category. Its cruising speed was only 2 mph slower than the famous Hellcat.
Between 1949 and 1954 France bought 110 SB2C-5 aircraft. Some of these planes were allotted to Esc 3F stationed onboard the carrier Arromanches. The Helldiver and pilots soon became well thought of by the French troops on the ground during the famous battle at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. Sometimes only feet above the ground the pilots flew countless sorties strafing and bombing the Viet-Minh with a total disregard to the heavy flak. These would be the last combat missions for the Helldiver but probably the most effective missions in the aircraft's history.
Between 1949 and 1954 France bought 110 SB2C-5 aircraft. Some of these planes were allotted to Esc 3F stationed onboard the carrier Arromanches. The Helldiver and pilots soon became well thought of by the French troops on the ground during the famous battle at Dien Bien Phu in 1954. Sometimes only feet above the ground the pilots flew countless sorties strafing and bombing the Viet-Minh with a total disregard to the heavy flak. These would be the last combat missions for the Helldiver but probably the most effective missions in the aircraft's history.
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syscom3
Pacific Historian
Thanks for the pics gekho. I didnt know the French used so many types.
T Bolt
Colonel
Wonderful Pictures 
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Just wait and see....
Matt308
Glock Perfection
Great pics!
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In 1946 Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam an independent country. Weak from WWII France was unable to reassert its authority over the former colony. One of the carriers stationed in the Gulf of Tonkin was the base for 1F squadron of F6F-5 Hellcats. "F" (Flottille), combat squadron - carrier and land-based - armed aircraft. 1F and sister squadrons were used to strike supply routes, bridges, railroads and close air support for troops. 1F Hellcats continued to fly sorties until July 21, 1954 when an agreement was signed in Geneva and France withdrew from Indochina.
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The Grumman G-21 Goose amphibious aircraft was designed as an eight-seat "commuter" plane for businessmen in the Long Island area. The Goose was Grumman's first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service. During World War II, the Goose became an effective transport for the US military (including the Coast Guard), as well as serving with many other air forces. During hostilities, the Goose took on an increasing number of combat and training roles. In postwar use, the adaptable little transport continued in use.
In 1952 up to a dozen passed to the French Navy for combat operations in Vietnam, followed by up to a dozen more in 1954. Some of these became the first gunships to operate against the Viet Minh. After defeat by Ho Chi Minh these two Goose squadrons redeployed to New Caledonia in the Pacific and to Algeria where they flew armed anti smuggling patrols from Algiers (Maison Blanche). Later they flew a diplomatic and naval communication schedule between France, French Morocco and French Senegal (Saint Mandrier - Casablanca - Dakar) until 1961.
In 1952 up to a dozen passed to the French Navy for combat operations in Vietnam, followed by up to a dozen more in 1954. Some of these became the first gunships to operate against the Viet Minh. After defeat by Ho Chi Minh these two Goose squadrons redeployed to New Caledonia in the Pacific and to Algeria where they flew armed anti smuggling patrols from Algiers (Maison Blanche). Later they flew a diplomatic and naval communication schedule between France, French Morocco and French Senegal (Saint Mandrier - Casablanca - Dakar) until 1961.
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The Grumman G-21 Goose amphibious aircraft was designed as an eight-seat "commuter" plane for businessmen in the Long Island area. The Goose was Grumman's first monoplane to fly, its first twin-engined aircraft and its first aircraft to enter commercial airline service. During World War II, the Goose became an effective transport for the US military (including the Coast Guard), as well as serving with many other air forces. During hostilities, the Goose took on an increasing number of combat and training roles. In postwar use, the adaptable little transport continued in use.
In 1952 up to a dozen passed to the French Navy for combat operations in Vietnam, followed by up to a dozen more in 1954. Some of these became the first gunships to operate against the Viet Minh. After defeat by Ho Chi Minh these two Goose squadrons redeployed to New Caledonia in the Pacific and to Algeria where they flew armed anti smuggling patrols from Algiers (Maison Blanche). Later they flew a diplomatic and naval communication schedule between France, French Morocco and French Senegal (Saint Mandrier - Casablanca - Dakar) until 1961.
In 1952 up to a dozen passed to the French Navy for combat operations in Vietnam, followed by up to a dozen more in 1954. Some of these became the first gunships to operate against the Viet Minh. After defeat by Ho Chi Minh these two Goose squadrons redeployed to New Caledonia in the Pacific and to Algeria where they flew armed anti smuggling patrols from Algiers (Maison Blanche). Later they flew a diplomatic and naval communication schedule between France, French Morocco and French Senegal (Saint Mandrier - Casablanca - Dakar) until 1961.
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