Open Day....

I had just finished creating the photo album and was about to write this post when President Macron of France announced that he was bringing back National Service which seemed appropriate.  An event in the form of L'Ariégeoise 2018 cycle race then got in the way but, at last, here is the account of my trip north of Foix to visit the depot of 1er Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes de Parmiers on Saturday 26th May.  I had picked up a leaflet in Le Mioure a week or so before the event but could not work out where it was located. A few enquiries revealed that the Regimental Depot is neat Parmier not that far from here. My next door neighbour was in the garden as I was about to set off so I asked him if he would like to come. This proved handy as he knew a much shorter route than shown on Google Maps. We arrived at the site after lunch on a very hot but windy day. Security is much tighter these days and I felt sorry for those on duty scanning the visitors passing through the control of entry point.

Once inside the main gate a huge concrete regimental motif greats the visitor whilst on the lawn to the right a Nord 2501 has been parked giving the opportunity for visitors to try a parachute jump, all be it from ground level. It is thrilling for the children as they are supervised at the door by the Jump Master.  This aircraft is the mainstay of the regiment having dispatched paratroopers and their equipment all over the world. The enthusiasm of the regulars as they explain the aircraft and its role to the visitors was reflected throughout the afternoon at the many displays and activities on site.

Walking on down the road ahead there are tents displaying different aspects of the training and rolls of the paratrooper from the standard jump kit to the diver and his specialist equipment. Deployed from the air or submarine these men can count themselves amongst the best in the world. Weaponry was described to me in a mixture of French and English along with some of the history and experiences of the paratroopers I was talking too. A friendly bunch when not at the opposite end of a rifle!  How thing have changed as I come across the modern field kitchen, self contained unit which can be deployed by parachute too. How things have changed since the tent and charcoal. Field hospitals now also work in much the same way. There are displays by the Gendarme, the French para-military police force and the Fire Service from Parmier who will have close links with the unit. All around proud men, both serving and retired, in pristine uniforms walk with their families. An open day is a great way for them as well as the public to find out what mum or dad does for a living.

This is a festive occasion so we cannot ignore the entertainment. Whether it is from the carnival or climbing the rock wall, jumping onto the air bed or mine detecting there is plenty to amuse. Exchanging cash for tokens will grant access to any of the refreshment tents for those who need a break or are reminiscing with old comrades. The weather is good as we wander around. Later in the evening the military band will entertain followed by a firework display but before that, a ride on a Shetland pony anyone?

An army helicopter is circling overhead giving rides to families for a small fee. Mid afternoon this gives way to a flying display by the Nord pilot. Unfortunately the wind is too strong for the intended parachute drop and display but demonstrations of combat equipment, tactics and skills also take place on the parade square so all is not lost. The 1er Régiment is directly descended from the Armée de L'Air (The French Air Force) rather than the ground army and still maintains close ties.

This can be seen from the next display by the Armée de L'Air display team itself. Everyone stops to watch as out of the blue sky roar the nine Alpha jets of the "Patrouille de France". Displaying the red white and blue of the French Tricolour the formation breaks, meets head on, rolls and turns. Disappearing over the rooftops to reappear sometimes high, sometimes low maintaining tight formations all the while. Finally a giant heat is etched in the sky, a fitting end to the display.

Wandering around we came across the monuments to battles past and to the fallen. In military life all over the world allies and enemies alike pay their respects to those who gave their lives in conflicts sanctioned by their governments, whether this is in war, peace keeping, or humanitarian aid. France is no exception and it is also interesting to see the campaigns in which the parachute regiment fought. We tend to know our own histories but little of our allies and virtually none of our foes. My travels from east to west have certainly broadened my outlook.

Have a wander around the "Open Day" photographs.  From barrack block to air display, an enjoyable day out.

Sadly we had to leave earlier than intended but that's life folks!