One of the many Vichy French aircraft captured by the Allies in Algeria. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

The quality of the image/scan made the serial of this aircraft unreadable. The 540 was one of several slab-sided bombers developed in France before World War II. Called the Flying Coffin by Spanish Republicans, it was relegated to the colonies and second-line duties by the time the war started. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

The XII Fighter Command of the US Twelfth Air Force shared its new base at what was then Es-Sénia airfield with a large collection of former Vichy French aircraft. It was briefly base for the Command as the progress of the war took it on to Tunisia and Italy within a few months. The Potez 63.11 was a reconnaissance version. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

The XII Fighter Command of the US Twelfth Air Force shared its new base at what was then Es-Sénia airfield with a large collection of former Vichy French aircraft. It was brief base for the Command as the progress of the war took it on to Tunisia and Italy within a few months. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

The XII Fighter Command of the US Twelfth Air Force shared its new base at what was then Es-Sénia airfield with a large collection of former Vichy French aircraft. It was brief base for the Command as the progress of the war took it on to Tunisia and Italy within a few months. The Potez 29 was well and truly obsolete before World War II started. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

The XII Fighter Command of the US Twelfth Air Force shared its new base at what was then Es-Sénia airfield with a large collection of former Vichy French aircraft. It was brief base for the Command as the progress of the war took it on to Tunisia and Italy within a few months. Photo from: National Archives at College Park, Maryland

Pictured by a member of my family 50 years ago at Oran La Sénia French Air Force air base N° 141. The aircraft has the markings of EC 3/20 "Oranie with Spa 96 insignia on the left side (which is an odd position in comparison of the other aircraft of the squadron). The picture is supposed to be taken in the begining of 1961.

Pictured 50 years ago at Oran La Sénia French Air Force base N° 141. The aircraft has the markings of ERP 01-032 "Armagnac" reconnaissance squadron.

Pictured 50 years ago at Oran La Sénia French Air Force air base N° 141. The aircraft has the markings of Transport Squadron 2 / 62 "Sahara" (GT 02-062). In the background stand a Constellation from search and rescue unit EARS 99. The picture is supposed to be taken in the begining of 1961.

Pictured by a member of my family 50 years ago at Oran La Sénia French Air Force air base N° 141. The aircraft has the markings of Transport wing 61 based in Orléans. In front stands the N° 197 (62-SU) in the markings of Transport Squadron 2 / 62 "Sahara" (ET 02-062). The picture is supposed to be taken in the begining of 1961.

Pictured at Oran La Sénia French Air Force air base N° 141. The aircraft has the markings of EARS 99 SAR unit based at this time at Algiers (Maison Blanche Air Base). Call sign was F-BAZY.