Escadrille SPA.57

Escadrille SPA.57 of the French Air Force was founded during World War I, on 10 May 1915. It was initially assigned to operate in the vicinity of Arras. It was cited in orders on 24 October 1915.

On 16 March 1916, the escadrille moved to the front lines near Verdun. It would remain there until incorporated into Groupe de Combat 11 on 1 November 1916. The escadrille served with GC 11 through war's end.

On 24 May 1917, the escadrille was again cited, for having destroyed 20 enemy aircraft and six observation balloons. This second citation entitled members of the unit to wear the fourragere of the Croix de guerre. The arrival of SPADs late in 1917 changed the unit's name to Escadrille SPA.57.

Closely following the war's end, Escadrille SPA.57 was once again cited for its efforts. It was credited with the destruction of 65 enemy aircraft and 14 observation balloons.

Escadrille 57 continues to serve in the French Air Force.

Commanding officers

 * Capitaine Alfred Zappelli: 10 May 1915 - 7 September 1915
 * Capitaine Edouard Duseigneur: 8 September 1915 - 24 January 1917
 * Lieutenant Georges Herbulot: 25 January 1917 - 13 April 1917
 * Lieutenant Jean Chaput: 14 April 1917 - KIA 6 May 1917
 * Lieutenant Jacques Ortoli: 7 May 1917 -

Notable personnel

 * Lieutenant Jean Chaput
 * Sous lieutenant Charles Nuville
 * Sous lieutenant Marcel Nogues
 * Lieutenant Jean Alfred Fraissinet
 * Sous lieutenant Marius Hasdenteufel
 * Aspirant Jean Dubois de Gennes
 * Adjutant Andre Petit-Delchet

Aircraft assigned

 * Nieuport: 10 May 1915
 * SPAD: Late 1917