OPERATION: CASTOR

The Viet Minh thrust west towards Laos meant that the communists controlled the T'ai region of the country, where much of the indigenous population had long supported the French.
The operations purpose was to cut off Viet Minh supply lines into the neighboring French protectorate of Laos, retake controle of the T'ai area and at the same time hoping of drawing the Viet Minh into a battle that would cripple them.
The operation started on the morning of 20 Nov 1954. 6th BPC jumped into the Dien Bien Phu valley with 651 men as part of the first wave of the airborn assult. Initial VietMinh resistance was light but early French probes into the surrounding hills met surprisingly strong resistance.
6th BPC was withdrawn from Dien Bien Phu 11 Dec, but returned to reinforce the garrision on 16 Mar 1954.

 
A paratrooper of the 6th BPC lies in a ditch watching as more soldiers drop out of the sky. This photograph is taken at the north drop zone “Natasha” at 1035, 20th Nov.
Adrienne Bizard, Luc Salam Didier and Micque Traminere orientate their position using a map while paratroopers land around them. This picture was taken during the opening phase of Operation Castor. In the far distance the mountains surrounding the valley are visible.
Miqcue ”Bon Bon” Traminere speaks with headquarters using a radio. Nicknames are common amongst soldiers and were given to almost everyone. Bon Bon is French for sweet and Traminere deserved every bit of that nick name.
French soldiers on a probe mission into the surrounding area. The lead soldier is armed with an American M1 Garand, the soldier after him is carrying a radio and the one on the far left is using a machete to cut down thick vegetation. The usage of knives to ease passages would be used frequently by the latter Americans.
Traminere speaking to Headquarters on a probe mission outside the camp. In war communications are vital and the commanders and officers need to keep themselves updated on the progress of the missions, troops and any eventual enemy activity.
An unknown soldier of the 6th BPC armed with an American M1 Carbine. This weapon was widely favoured by the French paratroopers. Even more favoures rifle was the M1A1 that has a foldable butt stock instead of a fixed wooden stock as this one the soldier is wielding.
Truong-Vu Noel, a French-Vietnamese soldier stands guard with his German MP40 Sub Machine Gun against a big tree log. This photograph is from a scout mission into the hills surrounding the Dien Bien Phu valley.
Luc Salam Didier talks to headquarters using a radio carried by Micque Traminere. Didier is wearing the French Rangers a very characteristic boot used by the French in Indochina and other conflicts. The person with the white scarf is Bernard Saint-Pierre who was a Sergent-chef during operation Castor.

Sergent-Chef St Pierre watches for enemy activity from a mysterious tree. Getting a high position was of greatest advantage when scouting for enemy activity or directing artillery.

St Pierre from another view.
Some members of the group here seen taking a break. From left to right: Madeleine “Petite” Delacros, Truoung-Vo, Luc Salam, Micque and St Pierre.
Troung-Vu Noel. Guard duty is not fun, but essential.
During longer patrols it was, if possible, of great relief to take a short break to drink and rest weary feet.
Two members of the group using a fallen log to pass over a stream. During operations many soldiers would wear helmets to protect them from shrapnel, but their hats are secured around their necks and at hand lying on their backpacks.