Escadrille Spa.80 Explained

Unit Name:	Escadrille N80 / SPA80
Dates:	1916–1918
Country:	France
Branch:	French Air Service
Type:	Fighter Squadron
Garrison Label:	Home station
Colors Label:	Branch color

Escadrille Spa80 was a French fighter squadron active during World War I, from 13 December 1916 to 11 November 1918. It was credited with 23 aerial victories.

History

Originally created at Lyon-Bron, France on 13 December 1916 as Escadrille N80 because it was equipped with Nieuport XVII fighters, it was attached to V Armee. On 17 March 1917, the squadron became part of Groupe de Combat 14. Groupe de Combat 14 would support X Armee beginning 10 May 1917. On 5 July, they were transferred to II Armee. On 11 October 1917, they were transferred to VI Armee. Within a week, they were refitted with SPAD fighters, changing their unit designation to Escadrille Spa80.^[1]

The Groupe de Combat would support the British Royal Air Force's 3rd Brigade beginning 15 April 1918. From 5 May 1918 until war's end, the Groupe returned to supporting French units. Escadrille Spa80 ended World War I credited with aerial victories over 21 German airplanes and two observation balloons.^[2]

Commanding officers

Capitaine Francoise Glaize: 13 December 1916
Lieutenant Paul Ferrand: 18 October 1917^[1]

Notable members

Sous lieutenant Robert Delannoy^[2]

Aircraft

Nieuport XVII: 13 December 1916^[1]
SPAD XIII: c. 18 October 1917^[3]

References

Franks, Norman; Bailey, Frank (1993). Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918 London, UK: Grub Street Publishing. .
Guttman, Jon (2002). SPAD XII/XIII Aces of World War I. Bloomsbury USA

Notes and References

Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918, pp. 97 - 98.
Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918, p. 98.
SPAD XII/XIII Aces of World War I, p. 50.