Customer Reviews

SPA124 Lafayette Escadrille: American Volunteer Airmen in World War 1 (Aviation Elite Units)

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Arguably the best-known American squadron to see combat in WWI, the Lafayette Escadrille -N124/SPA124 - has had its exploits chronicled in various books over the years. Jon Guttman and Osprey Publishing offer up this 2004 volume which boasts a comprehensive yet insightful text along with much illustrative material. As a starter book on those intrepid airmen, it has a lot going for it.

N124, a combination of idealistic or adventure-seeking American volunteers led by French commanders, first saw combat in May 1916. In all, 38 pilots served with N124; nine were KIA or POW. The squadron was credited with 37 victories; their sole ace - Raoul Lufbery - claimed 16 of that total. In January 1918 now-SPA124 underwent a reorganization. The American pilots became the 103rd Aero Squadron, U.S. Air Service; SPA124 continued as a French squadron. Given its low score, N124's contribution to the war wasn't the kills they scored but the example they provided for other idealistic Americans anxious to fight for democracy. In time, some 265 other Americans journeyed to France and joined the Lafayette Flying Corps or other Allied squadrons.

I felt Guttman did an excellent job of summarizing the creation of the Lafayette Escadrille, the personalities that made up N124 and their combat exploits along with details of the 103rd in action, etc. In particular I enjoyed reading of the internal life of N124; they weren't all saints nor were they all a 'Band of Brothers.'

Complimenting the text are over 120 photos, some new to this reviewer. As always, Harry Dempsey's color profiles were outstanding - 14 pages of gorgeous Nieuports, Spads and even a Morane Saulnier two-seater.

The best book on the Lafyette Escadrille is probably Dennis Gordon's LAFAYETTE ESCADRILLE PILOT BIOGRAPHIES, long out of print. Given its emphasis on the original squadron and follow-up units, its wealth of illustrative material and easy-on-the-pocketbook price however, Guttman's book, #17 in Osprey's 'Aviation Elite Units' series, is hard to beat. Recommended.

As expected from this publisher, the book has enough text and personal stories to make it interesting reading. Additionally, beautiful color plates are included to satisfy someone interested in the heraldry of the group or the modeler looking to add to his knowledge in the recreation of the planes in miniture. Best when used with other documentation of the period and unit discussed.

This read like a college textbook, giving lots of factual information, but presenting it in a dry, mind numbing way. If all you want is the facts, then it's fine, but if you want an exciting read based on an exciting subject then I wouldn't recommend it.