An Auster Mk.V is being refurbished in eastern France
The French Montbéliard Dassault 312 association, which operates Dassault MD 312 Flamant F-AZES, has recently begun restoration work on an Auster Mk.V at its base in eastern France.
Painted to represent NJ745 of the RAF’s wartime 654 Squadron, the machine’s actual history is described as being rather vague, although it seems to have only spent a year in military service before entering civilian hands. It arrived in France during 1961, initially flying as F-BGRX. It served several flying clubs, and was at one point used as by parachutists.
From 1981 until 2021 it was owned by the Duvernoy family at Montbéliard, with whom restoration began. A few months ago it was acquired by its new owners who plan to complete the project. The association is continuing to search for relevant documents and parts – they can be contacted via their website
