Once named after a pilot. The BA 107 – Sous-lieutenant Dorme Stone stands here. It bears witness to a rich history rooted in aviation.
BA 107 is more than a military base. It is a landmark of French aviation. This base has witnessed over a century of flight. It has seen daring tests and records set by aviation pioneers.
Originally BA 107 was a proving ground. It was used for flight tests. Aviation pioneers set records here. Today, it is named after Sous-lieutenant Renè Dorme. He was a World War I flying ace.
In 1984, the base adopted his name. Dorme fell in service during the Great War. It was not far from Fort de la Pompelle. This location is east of Reims in the Marne department.
The BA 107 plays several crucial roles. It transports high-ranking officials. These include both civil and military authorities. It also repatriates the injured from foreign operations. The base protects Parisian airspace. Public service missions are also part of its duty. These include organ transport and search-and-rescue operations.
Aviators at BA 107 often work with the Royal Air Force. They participated in Exercise Pegasus Exchange. This was at the Odiham airbase in late May 2023.
Pilots and mechanics from Escadron d’Hélicoptères 3.67 “Parisis” took part. Members from Escadron de Soutien Technique Aéronautique 2E.060 “Yvelines” also joined. They flew mixed-formation flights. These flights simulated tactical missions. They included engaging troops with fire support and intelligence.
In August, a TBM 700 simulated an unauthorized aircraft. It was intercepted by Royal Air Force EF-2000 Typhoons. A Mirage 2000-5F from the French Air Force also joined. These exercises improve interoperability between NATO partners. They also maintain crew qualifications.
The French Ministry of Armed Forces shared all of this. It was part of a dossier for King Charles III’s visit. King Charles III visited France. BA 107 played a key role in the visit.
Sous-lieutenant Renè Dorme was a remarkable figure. He was born in 1894. Dorme joined the military in 1913. He served as a cannoneer in Tunisia when World War I began. He transferred to aviation duty.
Dorme earned his Military Pilot’s Brevet in 1915. He joined Escadrille 94. Later he was posted to Escadrille 3. He flew Nieuport fighters. His planes featured a Cross of Lorraine. They also had a stork and the nickname “Papa Dorne.”
Dorme had 23 confirmed victories. He received the Médaille Militaire and the Legion d’Honneur. He was wounded in action. Promoted to Sous-lieutenant he returned to duty. Heinrich Kroll shot him down in 1917. Dorme fought valiantly. He defended himself from high altitude until his aircraft crashed in flames. Dorme’s watch identified his remains.
The BA 107 “Sous-lieutenant Renè Dorme” is a vital base. It combines operations transport and support. It serves as a lasting tribute to a French hero.