Escadrille SPA.124

Escadrille SPA.124 of the French Air Force was founded circa 18 February 1918. The previous Escadrille N.124, more widely known as the Lafayette Escadrille largely transferred into the United States Air Service on 18 February as the 103rd Aero Squadron. The remaining French personnel were formed into a replacement unit operating SPADs. They were dubbed the Jeanne d'Arc unit to differentiate them from their famous predecessor.

Escadrille SPA.124 was originally commanded by Lieutenant Andre d'Humeries. Though originally slated for incorporation into Groupe de Combat 15, it ended up in Groupe de Combat 21. Other squadrons in GC 21 included the 103rd Aero, Escadrille N98, and Escadrille 157. Capitaine Lucien Couret de Villeneuve was appointed to command GC 21.

GC 21 was assigned to IV Armee of the French Army. On 10 April 1918, Escadrille SPA.163 rotated into the Groupe as the 103rd Aero departed. On 25 May, the groupe moved to V Armee. The First Colonial Army cited GC 21 for destroying four observation balloons in seven days. On 2 June 1918, the groupe was reassigned to VI Armee as a Groupe de Chasse. On 3 July 1918, GC 21 was posted back to IV Armee. By war's end, Escadrille SPA.124 was credited with 28 aerial victories.

Escadrille SPA.124, the Jeanne d'Arc escadrille, continues in service in today's French Air Force.

Notable personnel

 * Pavel Argeyev