History
Narrative Summary
The Troupes Coloniales were army units formed to primarily serve in French overseas territories. They were initially formed under Navy control but in 1900 were transferred to Army control. They often consisted of French regular officers with native enlisted men. Between 1947 and 1952 the Troupes Coloniales operated six Supermarine Sea Otters from BAN Cat-Lai in French Indochina, (now Vietnam). It is not clear what, (if any), other aircraft the TC operated or what the unit designation was. These aircraft were active at the time when French forces were combating escalating guerrilla operations by the Viet Minh. The term ‘Aviation Coloniale’ was a generic term for French overseas military aviation and not specific to the TC.
Key Dates
| 1816 | L’infanterie de marine first established. | |
| ? | Renamed Troupes de Marine. | |
| 7 July 1900 | Renamed Troupes Coloniales. | |
| 1947 | First Sea Otter obtained. | |
| 1 December 1958 | Renamed Troupes d’ Outre-Mer. | |
| 4 May 1961 | Renamed Troupes de marine. |
Current Status
The Troupes Coloniales/Troupes de Marine no longer operates aircraft.
Future Plans
Not applicable.
Markings
Special Markings
The Sea Otters appear to have operated in standard Aeronavale colours, even though the Troupes Coloniales was a part of the Army.
Aircraft Serial Numbers
To be confirmed.
Unit/Base Codes
Coding system not used
Aircraft
Aircraft Designations
None – Manufacturers designations used
Current Aircraft Inventory
Not applicable.
All-Time Aircraft Used List
| Aircraft Type | Quantity | Service Entry | Out of Service | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supermarine Sea Otter II | 6 | 1947 | 1952 | RAF |
Aircraft NOT Used
No false reports known.
Organisation
Main Headquarters
Troupes Coloniales, BAN Cat-Lai, French Indochina.
Organisational Structure
All aircraft are operated by a single unit of unknown designation.
Current Order of Battle
Not applicable.
Historical Orders of Battle
Not applicable.
All-Time Flying Units List
Unknown.
Air Bases
Current Air Bases
Not applicable.
All-Time Air Bases Used List
The Sea otters were based at BAN Cat-Lai in French Indochina – which was near Saigon.
More Information
Books
French Aviation Bibliography – to be added
Magazines
No feature articles known.
Websites
wikipedia: Troupes Coloniales
Supermarine Sea Otter
The “Sea Otter” photos are actually SCAN 30 amphibians
BAN Cat-Lai