01/31/2012. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "When the French forces in North Africa joined the allied forces in 1943, the 3FB and 4FB (Flottille de Bombardement, Bombardment Squadron) were created within the l'Aéronautique Navale (Aeronavale, Naval Aviation) of the French Navy, and were equipped with sixteen SBD-5s each in September 1944. The 3FB and 4FB transferred to Cognac, flying missions over South-West of France.

After WW II the units were redesignated 3F and 4F and both embarked aboard the escort carrier Dixmude A-609, in order to fight over Indochina. till the carrier was replaced in November 1948. The last SBD-5 was retired from French operational service in July 1949, although a number was used as aerobatic trainers at the fighter pilot school at Meknes, Algeria."