Draft:Valdahon Airfield

The Camp du Valdahon was established in 1907 as a French military training area. Its aviation history began in 1909 with observation balloons, evolving during both World Wars into a functional airfield supporting military operations. By the 1950s, aviation activities ceased, though the site remains a military installation.^[1]

This airfield was situated 26.5 km east-southeast of Besançon and approximately 1.6 km north of the village of Le Valdahon-du-Bas. While there is no documented evidence of German use, some clearing activities may have been in progress at the northeast end during the summer of 1943.^[2]

• 1st Regiment of Artillery (1st Division (USA))

- The 1st Regiment of Artillery has notable historical ties to Camp du Valdahon. During World War I, units from the 1st Field Artillery Brigade, including the 6th and 7th Field Artillery Regiments, underwent extensive training at the Valdahon military camp near the Swiss border. They trained using French artillery, such as 75mm field guns and Schneider 155mm howitzers, focusing on live-fire drills, aerial observation, and fire adjustment techniques. This training formed a critical part of the American Expeditionary Forces' (AEF) efforts, led by General Pershing, to build a distinct and capable American field army in Europe.^[3][4]

• 1st Aerial Artillery Regiment (1er Régiment d'Artillerie Aérienne)

- The 1st Aerial Artillery Observation Group was stationed at Camp de Valdahon from November 1945 to February 1946. This unit played a significant role in French military aviation history and was later renamed the 21st Artillery Observation Group in 1950 before its dissolution on December 31, 1953.^[5]

• 7th Artillery Regiment (7e Régiment d'Artillerie)

- In 1873, the 7th Military Regiment was established with its headquarters in Besançon. To provide troops with a dedicated space for shooting practice, it was decided to create a maneuver camp for each military region. The commune of Valdahon, with its expansive, wooded, and gently hilly terrain, was deemed an ideal location for conducting infantry, artillery, and engineering exercises.^[6][4]

• 13th Engineer Regiment (13e Régiment du Génie)

- All Army units utilize the 3,600 hectares allocated to land forces, which includes maneuver areas, firing ranges, and other training facilities. These units specialize in engineering tasks such as clearing obstacles, demining, and constructing infrastructure like bridges. The regiment also operates advanced equipment, including drones and armored vehicles such as the Leclerc tank and the SPRAT (Pont Automoteur pour Renforcer les Troupes). The airfield plays a key role in logistical and training support, aiding preparations for overseas deployments, including missions in Mali.^[7]

• 106th Air Refueling Squadron

- On March 3, Flight “C” of the 800th arrived at Le Valdahon, Doubs, and found the camp in terrible condition, with deep mud everywhere. They were welcomed at the 17th Field Artillery Headquarters with warm meals and comfortable quarters.^[8][9]

The aviation camp for the 5th AAOS had been abandoned for months and was in poor shape. Despite this, the men began repairs, using delivered materials to fix the barracks, build a kitchen and mess hall, and clean the airfield. They also built roads, hangars, and other facilities.^[8][9]

By April 21, the first Sopwith planes arrived from Tours Aerodrome. Over the next few months, the camp improved greatly, even adding tennis courts by August.^[8][9]

The aviation activities at Camp du Valdahon airfield ceased in the 1950s. While the airfield was closed, the site remains an active military camp under the French Army, used for training and other purposes.Today, remnants of its airfield infrastructure, including hangars, reflect its past significance in military aviation history.^[1]

Infrastructure: 1 medium double hangar and 1 small double hangar at the S corner.^[2]

• 106th Air Refueling Squadron
• 1st Combat Helicopter Regiment
• 1st Infantry Division (United States)