The La Fayette Escadrille was the name of the French Air Force unit escadrille N 124 during the First World War (1914–1918). This escadrille of the Aéronautique Militaire was composed largely of American volunteer pilots flying fighters. It was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, French hero of the American Revolutionary War. In September 1917, the escadrille was transferred to the US Army under the designation 103rd Aero Squadron. In 1921, The French Air Force recreated a N124 unit who claimed lineage from the war-time La Fayette escadrille and is now part of the escadron 2/4 La Fayette.
Insignia of the N 124 La Fayette Escadrille
Lafayette Escadrille Pin (Escadrille N 124) with bust of Chief Sitting Bull. Chief Sitting Bull N124 was conserved by EC 2/4 La Fayette of the French Air Force.
Dr. Edmund Gros
Kiffin Rockwell, Capt. Georges Thenault, Norman Prince, Lt. Alfred de Laage de Meux, Elliot Cowdin, Bert Hall, James McConnell and Victor Chapman (left to right)
History of the Armée de l'Air (1909–1942)
The Armée de l'Air is the name used for the French Air Force in its native language since it was made independent of the Army in 1933. This article deals exclusively with the history of the French air force from its earliest beginnings until its destruction after the occupation of France. French naval aviation, the Aéronautique Navale is covered elsewhere.
Restored Blériot XI in Aéronautique Militaire markings.
1914 Morane-Saulnier L reconnaissance monoplane
1915 Voisin V bomber
1916 Nieuport 23