A History of the 17th Aero Squadron

by Frederick Mortimer Clapp

Excerpt from A History of the 17th Aero Squadron: December 1918
Now that the time has come when Nos. I7 and 148 Squadrons return to you, I wish to say how magnificently they have carried out their duties during the time they have been lent to the British Aviation.
Every call has been answered by them to the highest degree, and when they have arrived with you, you will have two highly efficient squadrons filled with the offensive spirit.
I should like to recommend, if you agree, that they be fitted with S. E.5 machines. Their formation ying is good and I consider this type of machine would suit them.
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217 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Frederick Mortimer Clapp (July 26, 1879 – 1969) was the first Director of the Frick Collection in Manhattan, New York, as well as a poet, and art historian. Clapp was the organizing Director at the Frick Collection from 1931 to 1935 and the first Director from 1935 to 1950.

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 3 out of 5]

A History of the 17th Aero Squadron: An American Squadron on the Western Front during the First World War is, in essence, a rather cut and dried account by the author - who, himself a pilot, had acted as an adjutant with the 17th Aero Squadron - of the history and wartime achievements of a fighter squadron that from July 12 to October 28, 1918, flew combat missions under command of the Royal Air Force (RAF) over the British area of the Front.

Among its distinguished pilots was George A. Vaughn, Jr., who had initially flown S.E.5A fighters with No. 84 Squadron, RAF, where he made ace and upon transfer to the 17th Aero Squadron (which flew Sopwith Camels) achieved an additional 6 victories. He survived the war with 13 enemy aircraft to his credit. Vaughn would go on to become one of the longest lived U.S. World War I aces, dying in July 1989, age 92.

The book contains some roughly sketched drawings depicting squadron life on base and in combat. There is also a chapter containing the combat reports of a number of pilots who shot down enemy aircraft between July and October 1918. While this was an interesting book to read, I wish photographs of the squadron and its personnel had been included.

All in all, A History of the 17th Aero Squadron is best suited for serious aviation enthusiasts anxious to know more about First World War aviation.