before nextEvery movement made to Luxeuil les Bains, a small spa des Vosges which had an airfield near the front. But the squadron had not yet its own aircraft. She finally received its first six fighter planes, the "babies" Nieuport, excellent handy device that flew between 150 and 170 km / hour. It must be remembered that the first military aircraft bombers in particular, barely exceeded the 70 km / hour and mechanics with their pilot flying defended themselves against their opponents with a Winchester rifle. The Nieuport, he was equipped with a machine gun. The first mission of the squadron was to protect the bombers English and French stationed at Luxeuil. May 18, 1916, Kiffin Rockwell brought his first victory in the squadron shot down a German two-seater armed with two machine guns. This first success was celebrated with pomp. The Mess Squadron was known to all pilots around. It was funded by a wealthy American and was a former saucier chef at the Ritz in New York. There were no more airmen passage at mealtimes, discovered a mechanical problem was to lay back and enjoy such a mess, however, have worried caress the two mascots of the squadron, lions and Whisky Soda. In fact, the good life should not hide these young pilots risking their lives every day. Moreover, very fast, new drivers were needed to replace those who did not return missions or were wounded in combat or by fire from the ground. Then the squadron was sent to Bar le Duc to take part in the battle raging around Verdun. She fought 146 fights, won 13 confirmed victories. She lost a pilot and three others were seriously injured. Back to Luxeuil to resume protection of French and British bombers based on this ground. Kiffin Rockwell to whom the squadron had its first victory, was killed in aerial combat in the Vosges Roderen, September 29, 1916. He is buried in the cemetery from Luxeuil. Norman Prince was seriously injured while returning from mission in Germany and died three days later, on October 15 the same year.
Français Welcome Historical summary the beginging 1914 Personage William Thaw Norman Prince Red Devil patch Squadron Wing Other store tradition association Photos Association Actuality