Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

Hello,

I’m also looking for someone who might have known the French military summer camp in Amporaha between 1968 and 1969. During my military service (which I spent over 13 months at the Ivato Air Base), I was stationed in Nosy Be during those years to set up the large tent canvases and clean the bungalows for nearly 4 months, from March to around June 1969. I have wonderful memories of that time, and I’m planning to return to Madagascar next May (38 years later...) after spending 3 weeks traveling, with a few days in Nosy Be at the end of the trip.

Hi! 😄

Thanks for your post—I must’ve enjoyed it right after you left. I was 4 years old, and my dad was stationed at Ivato (ESCAMA). We probably spent some holidays at Amporaha in ’70. So many great memories—fine sand and coconut trees...

Thanks Miroku, for saying hi... I also kept an excellent memory of it, even though I wasn’t there for the same reason. I was assigned to setting up the tents and repainting the bungalows before your arrival... I still spent nearly 4 months there and made the most of it... When it was time to take a little vacation, I was 20 years old in 1968... I’m planning to go to Madagascar next year, and I’m already really excited, even if the scenery must have changed. Thanks again for your kind words, and don’t hesitate to share any tips if you’ve had the chance to go back since. Warmest regards, yves.jouet@free.fr

hello to you both, I’m Francis, one of Mr. and Mrs. Émile’s children. I’m happy to see that some haven’t been forgotten. I just got back from Martinique, where I visited Mr. Assouvie (now 80 years old), with whom I used to go fishing in 1970–71 at Amporaha. For info about Amporaha (Camp Beach) or Nosy Be, feel free to reach out: le.nosy-been@wanadoo.fr. PS: Regarding 1970–71, I have original recordings of the entertainment from that time, plus songs by Doumé and Yan about Nosy Be and Amporaha…. Best to you both, Francis

Hello, I’m Yannick BRETON. I discovered this Air Force vacation center in IVATO during the 60s. Since I return to Madagascar every year, I went back last year—only a few ruins remain, but the magic of the place still lingers.

FRANCIS I didn’t realize it was you when I replied to this message. Get in touch with me through this site, and we’ll exchange contact details afterward. Looking forward to hearing from you. Yannick

I’m looking for a friend of my father’s. They served together in the military from 1965 to 1966 at the 1st Escama Ivato. Can you help me find him? His name is Henri Georges R., and he was still living in Madagascar, specifically in Antananarivo, in 1977 (the last year my father and his friend were in touch). Thank you in advance for participating in a forum about Nosy Be and the famous military base. I’m 20 years old, and my father has always spoken of that year of his life as a special time. Those were moments in the sun (and around planes) that he’ll never forget. Rozmon2n, daughter of Alain M.

Hey Yannick, sorry, I just saw your reply. I don’t check the "looking for friends" section often. I just got back from Nosy Be (May-June-July). I called your parents last Sunday. You can reach me at francislenosybeen@tele2.fr. See you soon, Francis

Hello Francis,

While searching for info on Nosy Be, I came across this forum and your email. I spent July and August 1970 in Amporaha with my family, and I remember Mr. Emile very well. My name is Christian Mayor, and during those two months, my father handled the camp management with Mr. Norman. The name Mr. Assouvie also rings a bell. I also have some Super8 films transferred to VHS tapes, and my brother put songs on CD (including one sung by girls from the camp about Amporaha), which might be from the same source as yours from that time. I’d love to chat with you or anyone else who was in Madagascar at that time. We stayed from 1969 to 1971.

Best regards,

Christian

good evening,

I was there in '70 at the camp—where’s the good old days of the gray canvas-covered 404 break when we arrived at the camp??? Welcome, music night, bon appétit, bon appétit......little..... and so on..

Hi Christian, happy to reconnect with the old "yéyés" from Nosy Be. I remember that time so well: Norman, Dezetter, Troin, Lardenois, Boeuf, Angelier, Petit, Piquemal, Cardot, Lannelongue, Grévisse, Nefiolov, Tison, Lamoine, Dacquay (Yann), Ravard (Doumé)... To get in touch for more chit-chat... lenosybeen@orange.fr. Cheers to everyone, Francis

hi caudou06, you can join us to share your story at lenosybeen@orange.fr best, francis

Hello, Wow! What a time, what a wonderful country, and what memories... I’m Philippe Agrissais, and I was in Nosy Be back then. My father, nicknamed "Le Toubib," "Georges," or "Jojo," was a pilot on the 2501 (and helicopters), shuttling between Ivato and Hell-Ville to transport staff and equipment. I was part of the diving club, and we took part in the "langouste" evenings of that era... I often went diving with a guy named "Georges" (a great free-diver)—is he your brother? "Asouvie" rings a bell; I’ll ask my father about it. I’m planning to visit Tana at the end of the year, so any contact with old acquaintances from that time would be great! 😎 We also have photos from back then. Philippe Philippe.agrissais@free.fr

I’m looking for anyone who knew the old Amporaha holiday camp (north of Nosy-Be)

Here are some other names: MUIRON J. (70-72), GILBERT JEAN (70-71), PAUTROT + Christine and Françoise (70-71), Beluche + B (70-71) LANGLOIS + S. (70-71), FERNANDEZ FIRMIN (70-71), PAULE... (70-71) BOUILLON (70-71), NEFIOLOV (70-71) AGRISSAIS (71-72) ARCHAMBEAUD (71) CARDOT (70-71), SANTUCCI (? ) PERSEVAL (69-70) COCHET (68-70), PERON (70-71) PALLARDY (70-71), JANKOWSKI (70-72) LATASTE (70-71) PAYET (70) ANGELIER (67-69) LAGADEC (?) SHOUROUD (63) BUISSET (?) AZEMA (?) MISS RANGUIS (70-71) LAUZERAL (70?) DAUBA (72-73) TROIN + G. + M-L + C (69-70) (TISON 69-70-) GREVISSE and TAVEL (70-71) DEZETTER (70-71) JACQUET (65-66) BOEUF (70-71) BRETON (63?) LARDENOIS (70-71) RISZOWSKI (69-71) HUET (65-66) SAMSON (70-71) ESPOSITO LANGELLA (70?) SIODMAK (70) LAMOINE (70671) GALINIER J. (63-64) NASARRE L. (68-70) DACQUAY P. (Yann) (70) LASSALMONIE F. (67-69) FABRE Y. (62-63 and 72-73, the lucky guy!) MAYET A. (69-70) CHOLLEY (67-69) WEITTMANN R. (62-65) DE GOUVILLE D. (70-72) FOUCAUD G. (67-69) ROTH M. (68-70) GIGAULT C. (59-62) CRUCHOU A. (69-770) ARCANONE Y. (72-73) PONS M. (72-74) CHOLLEY C. (67-69) OLIVIER R. (70-72) DALMAS G. (59-62) PRE M. (70-72) DUMOUCEL (?) GABRIEL R. (67-69) DELHON D. (70-72) BUON J. (69-71) GEINDREAU M. (62-65) GHERARDI P. (62-65) SAOUT J. (60-63) BOULLE S. (66-68) LABBE R. (60-63) GALLOIS (72-73) THIEUX P. (67-68) HUOT R. (67-69) CARLIER M. (66-68) SIZUN J-P. (68-70) FAVAREU R. (64-67) BRUNIER P. (64-66) OUDIN R. (64-65) LARDENNOIS P. (70-71) LANNELONGUE + C (69-70) LAFUMA G. (68-69) DEMARNE R. (67-69) WATTIER C. (?) MOMBLED A. (61-65) GERMANOVITCH A. (69-71) MAUNEAU G. (54-57 and 61-64, another lucky guy!) NATALI R. (68-69) GUICHARD S. (64-66) VEIL W. (65-67) RAVARD (Doumé) (70) PORTE L. (68) EVRARD R. (67-69) VIAUD J-M (70?) ......... Some of you will recognize yourselves. See you soon... francis

Hi there, I stumbled upon your forum by chance, and I was both surprised and delighted to find that there’s still someone looking for people who were in Nosy-Be. I was very young at the time, so I don’t remember the exact date I was there, but I remember those two months at the camp very well. I think it was in 1970 since we arrived at the end of 1969 and left Madagascar in 1971. My father was in the military at the time, based in Ivato. His name was Lopez, but there were others like Saez, Balester, and Hernandez. I also remember that a song was written and sung there—*Nosy-Bé, île d’amour, île de beauté*, etc. I don’t have any photos from there; everything is on slides, and my parents have them! So if you have one or two, that would be great. Thanks in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome to the Babettelopez club! I’ll DM you, but we’re also looking for the slides! To the former campers— I’m heading back from 11/22 to 12/20, so if you’re up for it, join me… Best to everyone, Francis

Hi, I knew the Amporaha camp in April '70. At the time, I was a server under the tents for 2 months—it was paradise... I'm looking for photos from that period. I was at BA 181 in the general services office, base discipline, with AJT Sauvage under the command of Captain Lardenois, as well as Adjutant Grevisse and so many others... Colonel Larrivière was in charge of the base at that time. So many great memories...

Best regards, jlouis

hi there; I was on BA 181 in November '70, arrived the day of the general's funeral. Assigned to general services, I worked as a mail clerk until August '71. I barely got to know Nosy Be; just one night before being repatriated to Ivato after a leave for relaxation, hitching from Tana to Diego then Diego to Nosy by boat. Since then, I've dreamed of going back, but lack the courage, afraid of disappointment. There was a Captain Assouvie, he was my boss. A Black man. The colonist, Larrivière, used to take out his mistress lying in the R16. Cheers.

Hi, I remember a lot of Réunionese "totoches" who used to stay in Tana—they were really into the local booze... I recall having to stand guard for a whole week at the hotel in Tana, opening the barrier from morning till night. Back then, the commander of the French forces in the Indian Ocean was General Bigeard. Cheers, jlou82

hi lambo52 welcome, isn’t this the BA you’re talking about? So glad some folks are reconnecting here! you can DM me To everyone, I’m still looking for photos and a huge thanks to Patrick Germanovitch for the CD!!! cheers to all

Hey jlou82 Why fear being disappointed? You just have to see Madagascar with different eyes, that's all. And most importantly, don't compare. I'm heading back there on the 21st, and believe me, it's tough for us, but it's the best way to show our attachment to Madagascar. A first step? Look, you're already there (in '70).

hi, I found some photos in my archives that’ll bring back good memories for you.....best regards, jlouis 82

hi, I found some photos from the Amporaha camp back in the 70s. It was in May-June, and so many good memories are coming back... anyway, it's nostalgic. Hope to hear from you soon... best regards, jlouis82

Hello everyone, here are 2 or 3 photos that might bring back some memories!!! Miroku, Babettelopez, ... maybe you'll recognize yourselves in the photos? 1) our "doumé" 2) yikes! the canteen! 3) (upside-down photo) 14/07/70 or 71 and thanks again to Patrick G. and Mrs. LAMY G. for photos from 58/59 best regards to all, francis

Hi Francis, I’m Bernard, Christian’s and Caudou06’s brother. I remember that amazing time so well—the coconut-bowl contests, the volleyball tournaments, and those lively evenings in those "lovely summer camps" I have a recording of, thanks to my brother who carefully kept it..... and the coconut pancakes......... So many memories are coming back to me..... See you soon to chat about it! Bernard

HELLO, I just came across your post today.

I think it’s about the military holiday camp on Amphoraha Nord beach?

As for me, I stayed there in July 1968.

Hello, I was in Amporoha in July and August 1971, serving in the camp for the air force. I have a bunch of questions. I’m looking for buddies, a girlfriend. Patrick Durieux

Hello, I’m Patrick. I was in Amporoha in July and August ’71, and I think I went diving with your older brother. Did you happen to know a helicopter pilot’s daughter named Dominique Agrisset, who would’ve been 17 or 18 at the time? Thanks

Hello, I’m Patrick. In July and August ’70, I got to know your sister Dominique really well. How is she doing? Back then, I was 19, and your sister was 16 or 17, maybe. And of course, I was in love. Tell her it’s for old times’ sake. Cheers

Hi, could you add Patrick Durieux 71 72

And also Alain Massard, thanks!

Hey!

Love the photos! I recognized the stage where I had to take part in my first talent show!!!!!!

Unfortunately, I don’t think I noticed you 😕

Thanks again for this amazing blast from the past 😉

Hi, I remember a lot of Réunionese "totoches" who used to stay in Tana—they really liked the local booze.... I remember we had to stand guard for a whole week at the hotel in Tana, opening the barrier from morning till night. Back then, the commander of the French forces in the Indian Ocean was General Bigeart. Cheers, jlou82

I was there in '70-'71 too. I also stood guard at the embassy in Tana, spent two months in Amporoha in July and August '71. I noticed that not many veterans from Ivato dare to talk about (the village, the bars, the girls). For me, those are great memories too—I don’t know many who took full advantage of it. Maybe they’re a little ashamed, but we were really young. patrick.durieux@neuf.fr

I also arrived in November '70 at Ivato, and my classes in Dijon. I also passed through Amporoha in July and August '71. Patrick

hi. if I understood correctly, the cushy job I had as a mail clerk kept me from doing what everyone else did—spending 2 months in Nosy Be.😠 I only got to enjoy a 2-week leave to do some sightseeing between Majunga, Diego, and Nosy Be. At the camp, I had to crash the party to convince the camp chief to send me back. With no money in my pocket and a high chance of being late, walking back would’ve been pretty long.😏 On base, I also filled in as a projectionist for a while. If anyone knows Ritchie Valens, it’s thanks to me—I played him on loop during downtime.😇 And you, Pat, what job did you have?

Hi, I was with Adjutant Kemzinski in the maintenance department of the 2501 Air and Sea Rescue unit—pretty cushy, just 1 to 2 hours of work in the morning and the rest of the time was quiet. I remember you, and especially those much-awaited paychecks. You weren’t so lucky with your job there. Me and the guys from the same unit left for two months in Amporoha (a holiday camp in Nosy Be) + 30 days of leave in October '71. Did you know Alain Massard? Cheers, Patrick

Hello everyone, I was in Ivato from December 1971 to September 1972 and worked in the office next to the secretary’s office for Colonel Peron with a *juteux* (sergeant). Indeed, there was Saez (warrant officer), a Captain Exposito, whom I saw again around 1980 in Vence, and I think Commander Santoni. I posted a photo on *Copain d’Avant*. Then I went to Nosy-Be as a warehouse assistant, and I managed sheets and food in the big tent with a warrant officer. My buddies were kitchen helpers, and since we had a lot of lobsters—but not enough for the whole camp to eat—we’d often eat them in small groups...

I remember my Corsican compatriot, Officer Cadet Doctor Gérard Cordoliani from Rutali. I even think the song *Les Bronzés* comes from Nosy-Be, and I still remember the lyrics. We used to sing it in the showers with Gérard Cordoliani (he had a really nice voice).

I remember eating suckling pig and getting scolded by the cook because I’d eaten the ears...

I remember the activities—the Hernandez family, the parody of *Le Cid*...

At Colonel Peron’s request, I also organized reward trips by bus for July 14th and August 15th to make up for the canceled reward flights due to fuel restrictions (cost of fuel).

I remember a driver (Mercier) at the French Embassy where we stood guard, next to the *Cercle Franco-Malgache* dance hall.

I remember the *vaguemestre* (mail officer) and the *totoches* (local term for kids) because I shared a room with a Breton and an Alsatian.

I remember the events of May 1972 that led to our confinement on the base.

I lived in Nice from birth until May 2007, and since June 2007, I’ve been living in Corsica.

For more news, see you soon. pierre.inno@orange.fr

Indeed, in Nosy Be, we conscripts were a bit more privileged compared to Ivato. We had more contact with the enlisted men and their families. Even though in Ivato, there had been trouble with an enlisted man’s partner and a conscript—who, by the way, cut his stay short. In Nosy Be, I remember two young girls (16 to 17 years old, children of enlisted men)—one went out with a friend, and the other with me—but with them, it was just flirting compared to the *ramates*. Since I’m very fair-skinned, they nicknamed me *nivaquine*. Once, a dolphin washed up on the beach to die, and several strong swimmers, including the camp commander’s son, tried repeatedly to push it back into the sea without success... Cheers, Pierre

Hey Philippe, are you Dominique’s brother?

Good evening, are you Alain Massard’s daughter from Monistrol-sur-Loire? If so, I knew your father very well. Thanks for your reply.

Good evening everyone, I just got back from Nosy Be. For those who want fresh news, please DM me. A thousand apologies to those who’ve contacted me in the past month, but I live pretty off-grid with my friends when I’m in Nosy Be.

To everyone, I’m still looking for photos, slides, 8mm films... I’m planning a meet-up/reunion around March...

I’m trying to get back in touch with Villeflayou (from Réunion), whom I met on the sacred islet in mid-July...

I’m also looking for our famous Doumé: Dominique Ravard in ‘86 in the 33...

Welcome to newcomers—DM me, and we can chat on the phone. It’s more practical, at least for me...

I found Grévisse Christian and Geneviève again... Good evening everyone

Hello,

I stayed in Madagascar from '68 to '70 and was at the Ampora camp during the holiday periods those years. I’ll scan some slides and put them online soon. @plus

Hello,

My father was a captain at BA 181 and the head of the Ampora camp from July to September 1968. I stayed in Ivato from June 1968 to July 1970. I’ll be posting some photos online soon. Veloma, Christian

Hello,

My father was also on BA 181 in Ivato from '68 to '70, Captain Grévisse Daniel. I’m married to Geneviève Tavel, whose father was also in the military (Commander). She also has a sister, Marie-France. A few people we’ve reconnected with: Brigitte Vely, Colette Martin, ...

Veloma

Hello,

I’m Christian, Daniel Grévisse’s son. He’s 86 now and a bit less active than back then, but he still remembers that time well. I’ll be posting scanned slides and photos online soon. Veloma

hi christian what a pleasure to find your trail through this forum ... I’d be happy to hear from you ... long live the internet !!! I’ve also reconnected with other people from Tana like Brigitte Velly and Colette Martin me, I live in the Oise in Villers-sous-Saint-Leu, I have 2 kids, Laurent (26) and Caroline (24) for you, I imagine you’re already a grandpa !!! we stayed in touch with Jean-Mi Noureux who married my childhood friend ... my sister lives in Grenoble looking forward to reading you and ... happy new year 2008 to you and your whole family nini

Hi Francis,

As promised, here are a few photos from the camp between '68 and '70: A return from lobster fishing (beautiful scene), and yes, you’re next to me, Another one with your brother Georges, A general view of the camp, And finally, the famous sailing pirogues.........

Veloma, Christian

good evening everyone, thanks christian for these photos, is that you on the right? on the left, I think it’s Gérard Troin. I’ll DM you and we can call, please. francis