Extract from L’Est Republicain
29 Jul 53
Exercise "Coronet", of which we have already spoken is being actively pursued in our skies. Nancy, however, is but slightly involved in this gigantic show. Once in a while a few jets come and only give us a very slight idea. Let us see what is the basis of the maneuver; the air forces which are defending the allied territory are composed of Sabres, Meteors, Vampires and Venoms of 2nd ATAF and Sabres, Thunderjets, Shooting Stars, Vampires and Invaders of 4th ATAF; Greek and Italian Thunderjets and Portuguese Thunderbolts are also taking part in the defence of allied territory. The invading forces coming from the British Empire are equipped with Washingtons, Lincolns, Canberras, Valettas, Varsities, Meteors and Sabres. These simulating high altitude jet bombers.
Gigantic Battles
The 4th and 5th days of "Coronet" have been marked by tremendous air battles, the enemy coming from the west have attacked the aerodromes in the French and American sectors. To do this he used F-86 Sabres in all his covering operations. Enemy reconnaissance photos have been taken by both camps trying to localize maneuvers and installations of enemy units. Canadian pilots, veterans of the Second World War and of the Korean War have told us that these air battles have been the most important they ever saw. At Grostenquin where several Canadian squadrons are based, a savage battle was waged yesterday enduring more than 15 minutes near this base. Planes taking part in it were Sabres, Vampires, and Meteors of Westonia and on the other hand Canadian Sabres. At the end of the battle Canadian fighter pilots had more than 20 enemy planes down or damaged.
389 Missions in One Day
The first battles were before everything designed to ensure air supremacy for one or the other side. It is thus that the Grostenquin planes flew 389 missions on one day. The record of this base for the period starting July 25th "D" Day up to Monday the 27th consists of 288 enemy planes knocked down and 87 damaged. These figures will, however, be submitted to the specialist who are regulating the umpiring of Exercise "Coronet" following well established rules. Exercise "Coronet" which will keep on until July 31st is mainly an exercise extending to: exercise the aerial forces of AAFCE in the technical and defensive part and try out the national air defence systems of Belgium, France, Holland, and the British Empire. 1,800 planes are taking part in these maneuvers.