Grostenquin, France
PMQ Area Photographs

[Map of the St. Avold area]


PMQs were located approximately 12 miles from the station and about one half a mile from the town of St. Avold. There were 443 units arranged in apartment buildings that were four levels in height. These units were allocated as follows: 67 for Officers, 108 for Senior NCOs and 268 for Corporals and Airmen. The apartments differed in size ranging from one bedroom to four bedrooms. They all contained a kitchen, living room, dining room and a bathroom. These apartments were attractively furnished with French manufactured furniture. Although the apartments were wired for 220 volts, it was possible to use 110 volt appliances with the aid of a transformer which could be purchased for $10 to $15 at the station store. For obvious reasons - there were no pets allowed in PMQs.

A little known fact. The PMQs were initially built with a common washroom in the basement - one for each cage. This was unacceptable to the RCAF so a portion of the kitchen was walled out to install a bathroom in each PMQ. The bathrooms were, as you may recall, the "walk in - back out" variety. Our thanks to Ted Hackett for this particular gem of detail.

Little is known about the PMQ area after 2 Wing was closed. The PMQs continued to be used between the summer of 1964 and the end of 1965 by the RCAF - as transient quarters for families transferred to the Air Division. We have also been informed that in 1984, a full 20 years after the RCAF departed, French nationals were allowed to purchase a PMQ for only "one" (yes 1 NF franc) as long as they agreed to make, at their expenses, the renovations as indicated in the contract signed with and supervised by the City Authorities. Recent photographs taken in 2000 and 2001 would indicate that the PMQ area remains quite active and attractive.


Click on the description text to view the photograph.
  1. Assorted historical detail for the PMQ area.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  2. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 2001.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  3. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 2000.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  4. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1999.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  5. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1990.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  6. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1989.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  7. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1988.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  8. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1985.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

    RCAF Station Grostenquin is closed - July 1964

  9. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1964.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  10. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1963.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  11. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1962.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  12. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1961.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  13. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1960.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  14. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1959.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  15. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1958.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  16. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1957.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  17. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1956.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  18. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1955.
    Courtesy As Indicated.

  19. Assorted photos of the PMQ area - 1954.
    Courtesy As Indicated.


Photographic Credits

All photos are used with permission.

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Updated: June 12, 2005