Metz, France

When Canada's Air Division overseas began expanding in 1952, a planning team sought a headquarters location easily accessible to the various planned RCAF units on the continent. Their ultimate choice was the Chateau de Mercy at Metz.

The Canadian Headquarters moved from Paris to Metz in April 1953, at which time the entire 35-acre estate had only four buildings on it: The Chateau, in which renovations were nearly complete; the coach house, tenable but unprepossessing; the lodge at the entrance of the estate, which had no floors and virtually no roof; and the chapel.

There were many personnel that served with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) at Metz France between 1953 and 1967. We can all remember the Chateau de Mercy which served as Air Division Headquarters but very few are aware of or can recall the actual detail pertaining to the "Bunker System of Metz".

Contrary to popular belief, the fortifications which surrounded the city of Metz were not part of the Maginot Line, but part of a group of fortifications originating between 1870 and 1916. This map shows the general overall fortifications around Metz as they existed in 1918. Southeast of Metz is the "Groupe Fortifie la Marne". Some of its components were "L'Ouvrage de Jury" and "L'Ouvrage d'Ars", both of which were used by the RCAF during their tenure at Metz.

Most of us can easily recall the 35 acre estate which housed the Chateau de Mercy and was the home to 1 Air Division Headquarters. Very few of us seem to recall exactly what existed outside of the chain link fence which was found around the perimeter of the estate. There were many RCAF facilities located outside of the estate. A Microwave Site as well as a Receiver Site were constructed amidst the remains of fortifications. A Transmitter Site was established at the remains of L'Ouvrage de Jury. A radar station, 61 AC&W Squadron was constructed outside of and nearby to the estate, and the RCAF also made use of L'Ouvrage d'Ars over the years as home to their Combat Operations Centre (COC) and other military sections.

We offer the following material in an attempt to provide accurate detail and to clear up some of the "mystery" which exists about the fortifications which were used by the RCAF. We also request your assistance in this project. Please have a look at the photos to see whether they have been identified properly. Needless to say, we would be more than willing to add any additional photos or details that you may provide.