Reims – Champagne Air Base 2.74

Reims – Champagne Air Base is a former Front-line French Air Force NATO air base. The base is located approximately 4mi north of Reims; about 81mi northeast of Paris.Squadrons and aircraft 2 reconnaissance squadrons equipped with Dassault Mirage F1CR. 01/33 Belfort 02/33 SavoieHistoryReims Air Base was authorized by the French Air Ministry in 1925 and was opened in October 1928. Much work was needed to restore the land in the area after the ravages of the World War I Western Front, and the myriad of trenches built, all needed to be filled in, the land leveled, unexploded ordnance removed and have a graded, smooth grass surface for airplane operations as well as a support facility. Reims was planned to be the "showcase" base of the Armée de l'Air. It had a concrete parking apron; hangars and a support area, and consisted of a grass field for aircraft takeoffs and landings.The first unit to arrive at Reims was the Breguet 19–equipped 12th Regiment, which arrived from the Occupied Rhineland airdrome at Lachen-Speyerdorf.During the 1930s, the base was greatly expanded and modernized. Known units assigned to BA 112 during the decade were: 4th Fighter Wing (1933) 5th Fighter Wing (1936–1937) 601st Infantry Group of the Air (1937) – the only parachute unit of the Air Force. II/13 Group (1939) – Night Fighter Unit With the breakout of World War II in 1939, Reims was reinforced with additional units. In May 1940, the following units were stationed at Reims BA 112: I/15 Group, equipped with 11 Farman F.222 II/15 Group, equipped with 9 Farman F.222 In addition, RAF units of the RAF Advanced Air Striking Force were attached to Reims equipped with Fairey Battles