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Groupe de Combat 22

Background

The French military began amassing about 15 of their newly developed fighter planes during the Verdun Offensive in February 1916. Pleased with the tactical advantages they found, they proceeded to go a step further when the Battle of the Somme began on 1 July 1916. Four escadrilles were gathered into the Groupement de Combat de la Somme. At times they augmented the Groupement with three other squadrons temporarily assigned.

Once again pleased with results, the French command decided to begin establishing Groupes de Combat as regular tactical units. They began on 19 October 1916, with the establishment of the first three official Groupes de Combat, numbered 11, 12, and 13. As the war progressed, they would sporadically form new Groupes de Combat, numbering them upwards, until Group de Combat 23 was established just before war's end.(86-87)

Groupe de Combat 22

Formed 25 June 1918 from GC de la Noblette. CO = Raoul Echard. With IV Armee. Shifted to VI Armee on 19 August, IV Armee in Flanders 7 September. Final weeks of war--V Armee, IV Armee.

Escadrille Spa.38

Formed 8 January 1915. Cited twice, fourragere for IC, 51 victories. 5 June 1918, joined pre-GC 22 unit. 98 victories total.

Escadrille Spa.87

Formed 8 March 1917. 28 victories.

Escadrille Spa.92

Formed 2May 1917. 11 wins.

Escadrille Spa.152

Formed 9 July 1917. 1 Zeppelin, 15 planes, 27 balloons

Escadrille Spa 169

Formed on 7 September 1918 within GC 22. No wins.