The compound was built by the Germans in 1912, on the location of the artillery shooting range that became a military airfield as the Versailles Treaty was signed on June 28th, 1919.
When the compound was retaken by the French armed forces, it was called Guynemer compound (to honour the legendary pilot of the French air force who was shot down over Belgium in 1917) and was taken over by the "2ème Régiment d’Aviation de Chasse" (fighter aviation regiment). The pilots of the First Group's squadrons were accommodated in building A (this designation was kept until the 80s and then became building 022) and the bulk of the regiment was located in the Lizé compound. This is why the air force occupied these facilities until 1940. During the same year, the garrison became German again and Stuka squadrons landed on the "Polygone" (former shooting range). At the end of World War II, from 1948 to 1949, the compound became the regrouping center of the Foreign Legion.
Notably during the years of the Indochina and Algeria wars, the wounded or convalescent legionnaires transited through this center. The legionnaires also used the nearby "Polygone" for infantry combat training and for parachute jumps.
On January 5th, 1953, the compound received its present name.
From 1969 to September 1990, the "40ème Escadron de Quartier Général de la 1ère Armée" (40th HQ Squadron of the FR 1st Army) occupied the premises until they were disbanded.
Finally, the "1er Régiment du génie d’Illkirch" (Engineers battalion) provided the compound's guard until 1993 when the Eurocorps Staff took over the premises.
The Eurocorps HQ renovated the main building and built 8 office buildings, a conference center, a repro center and a catering service building. An additional road was built and the compound's entry has been located on the Southern side since.
Upon its creation in 2001, the Multinational Command Support Brigade settled in the AdV compound. In 2002, the generals moved into their offices in the main building. In June 2004, the Press and Information Office as well as the Legal Advisors moved into a new office building.In 2007 the Air and Maritime representation moved in their new office building.
But who was Aubert-de-Vincelles?
Major François, Hubert, Raoul Aubert de Vincelles (FR) was born on July 5th, 1906 in Lanarvily, canton de Plabennec (Finistère). He fell for France on November 16th, 1951 in "Tonkin" (former Indochina) and was interred in the Hanoï cemetery. He was married and father of three.
On September 28th, 1928, François Aubert de Vincelles joined the army for 8 years and went to the "École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr" (military academy). He was promoted Lieutenant on October 1st, 1930 and chose the "117ème Régiment d’Infanterie" (infantry battalion) as first assignment. On October 1st, 1932, he was promoted Lieutenant and in 1933 he volunteered for serving in Morocco. There, he distinguished himself and was mentioned in the Division's dispatches. Still in Morocco in 1939, commanding a company of the "2ème Régiment de Tirailleurs Marocains" (mechanized infantry battalion) he was promoted Captain on September 1st. Having passed his exams in English and Arabic, he added Indochinese to his linguistic skills. His official records were laudatory. He was noticed as an excellent officer, a dynamic, firm and honest individual, a very good instructor and administrator. In the field, he was able to see quickly, simply and clearly and executed orders calmly and with assurance. All these skills were of benefit to him later during his career, in combat. But in 1940, Captain Aubert de Vincelles was made prisoner by the Germans and spent five years in captivity.
He was released in 1945 and left again for an assignment in Algeria and immediately afterwards in Indochina. On December 25th, 1946, he was promoted Major at the "2ème Régiment Étranger d'Infanterie" (infantry battalion) and distinguished himself anew in combat on April 16th, 1947, notably being mentioned in the brigade's dispatches for his courage and his abnegation in action. A few months later he was assigned to the Staff of the Higher Commanding General in Saïgon. Back in France, on October 7th, 1948, he was designated to take over the command of the Regrouping and Transit Center of the Foreign Legion at the Guynemer compound. He left this command on November 2nd, 1949 to take over the command of the Foreign Legion Depot in Marseille.
On March 31st, 1951, he took the plane, for the last time, heading for Indochina.
Upon decision No 8 dated February 22nd, 1952, the vice-chairman of the Council, Minister of National Defence, mentioned Major Aubert de Vincelles in the armed forces dispatches, ex posthumous, as follows:
"As a magnificent officer, he displayed - under all circumstances - the best military virtues. Commanding the 2nd battalion of the "3ème Régiment Étranger d’Infanterie" since June 1st¸1951, at the head of this unit, he showed his great skills as a chief. Adored by his staff and his men, he always obtained the best results from them.
He died a glorious death during a strong action on November 16th, 1951 in the region of Cho-Ben (North-Vietnam) at the head of his men, giving them- until he breathed his last - an admirable example of courage and abnegation."
Major Aubert de Vincelles is Chevalier in the Order of the Legion of Honour with two citations and Officer in the Order of the Annam Dragon.
Author: Sergeant Major (FRA) TOMCZYK Eddy
