From the 1950s to early 1967, the U.S. Army (COMZ) occupied a compound on top of a hill in Poitiers, France, named Caserne Aboville. The installation had a circumference of one mile, and at one time had two entrances, both manned by MPs and/or Polish Guards. There was also a small, gated area for the BOQs and a small unit of WACs. This was later closed off at some point, and I think the bachelor officers and WACs were moved to Ingrandes, or at least relocated. My unit, the 202nd MP Co. was formed in 1961, replacing the 501st MPs. I was with the 202nd MPs from June 1963 until May 1966. When I arrived we were platoon strength, but by the time I left, we were down to just a few men. When the unit was set up in 1961, the Headquarters for the 202nd was at Poitiers, but eventually moved to Ingrandes, and our unit became Detachment #3 (APO 09044). The Post remained fully functional with a theater, snack bar, mess hall, Stars & Stripes store, NCO Club, a bowling alley and other activities. The hospital and dependent school were off base, near the family housing area at Camp de Chalon. There was a second family housing in Poitiers, La Gibauderie when I first arrived, but may have been turned back over to the French when the main strength of the units were reassigned to Ingrandes. There may have been a third family housing named Bellejouanne. Other units assigned were the 313th Signal (Company A), the 16th Signal,279th Army Band, 599th APU, 1st Logistical Command, the 15th CID and PMI. This group is open to all members who were stationed there or in Cold War France, or their families. No language or flaming allowed. Due to Spammers phishing for names and email addys, if you wish to join be sure and tell me something in the Request that I will believe.