Escadrille Spa.86
Escadrille Spa.86 was a French Air Force fighter squadron active from 6 April 1917 through the end of World War I. They served as a component of "Groupe de Combat 14", and were Cited in orders on 28 October 1918 for having downed 30 German aircraft. History. Escadrille Spa.86 was formed as "Escadrille N86" because it was originally outfitted with Nieuport airplanes, although it had a few SPADs. Founded 6 April 1917 at Vélizy – Villacoublay Air Base, France, it was immediately incorporated into "Groupe de Combat 14" (Combat Group 14, or GC14). GC14 began its operations with "VI  Armee". On 10 May 1917, GC14 was transferred to "II Armee" on 29 June 1917. GC14 would be shifted three more times, late that year--to "VI Armee" on 11 October, to "III Armee" on 20 November, and to "VI Armee" eight days later. By early 1918, the squadron had gone all SPAD and was redesignated as Escadrille Spa.86. It remained part of GC14. The "groupe" moved to "III Armee" on 24 March 1918 for a week, back to "VI Armee", then attached to the Royal Air Force Third Brigade on 15 April. It spent May in Flanders. On 1  June 1918, GC14 was posted to "X Armee". On 9 October 1918, GC 14 moved to "1er Armee". That was their last posting, as the Armistice of 11 November 1918 ended hostilities. On 28 October 1918, "Escadrille Spa.86" was cited in orders for having destroyed 30 German aircraft. Notable members. Colonel Henri Hay De Slade