Georges Thenault

The Story of the Lafayette Escadrille: a Famous Fighter Squadron in the First World War by its Commander Georges Thenault

Aces over the Western Front

The Lafayette Escadrille is now a legend of early aeronautics and warfare in the air. Originally titled the Escadrille Americaine, this squadron of the French Air Force of the Great War was formed in 1916 and as it name suggests was piloted mainly by Americans who came to the Western Front to fight the battle of the skies for the Allies out of conviction-in the hope of encouraging the United States to join the fray-or simply in the spirit of adventure. The élan of this crack squadron has survived it and today its Indian chief insignia is instantly recognisable. There have been several books concerning the Lafayette Escadrille, but this one has unimpeachable credentials since its author was none other than the unit's commander. Few readers interested in the subject of this book will need explanation as to its contents. The wartime action of the squadron and its personnel are recounted here in the most immediate detail by a man who was on the spot to witness it all. Available in soft cover and hard cover with dust jacket for collectors.