Cast your minds back to the updates we shared on the association’s website:
In September: a request from a group of French children, now adults, asking us to explore the possibility of saving this aircraft before it was sent to the scrapyard.
The decision by the association’s Board of Directors to launch a fundraising campaign to finance the operation (purchase and restoration).
The fundraising goal of €4,000, reached rapidly thanks to the determination of both members and non-members of the association (French and American alike).
The decision by Mr. and Mrs. Noël, of the SNCG body shop in Déols, and by Mr. Coing to take care of the recovery, stripping, and painting of the structure, with the assistance of our volunteers.
Our participation in the "Brassioux American Day" event.
The transport of the structure, carried out by members of the ARVMC association, led by Georges Rebardeau.
The involvement of Yves Bardet in establishing contact with the family and conducting historical research.
The installation of the structure at the La Martinerie site, supported by teams from the French Shooting Federation (Fédération Française de Tir) via the CNTS.
The securing of the structure to the ground by our volunteers.
The restoration of the floorboards by Jean Baty, a carpenter based in Déols.
The creation, with the support of Châteauroux Métropole, of an information plaque recounting the history of this structure, along with a list of donors and partners.
And finally: the inauguration!
A wonderful adventure has now come to a close, one that further anchors us in the association’s core mission: preserving the military heritage of the Indre department. This is our hallmark, and one we continue to uphold. Thank you to everyone, partners and donors alike, who participated in this adventure, whether from near or far; thank you to the Board members for their trust, and to the volunteers for their dedication and availability.
The article from La NR April 20, 2026
Click on images to enlarge
Crédit photo : City of Déols – Dominique Roosens – Jean-Jacques Bérenguier
