Salmond went on to take up the post of Officer Commanding No. 1 Squadron RFC on 26 January 1915. In the First World War the squadron operated over the Western Front and Salmond and his squadron took part in the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, including the Battle of Hill 60 and the Battle of Aubers Ridge. He was appointed a wing commander on 18 August 1915 and sent to command the Fifth Wing in Egypt in November 1916. He was promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel on 3 June 1916.