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Verdun Aerodrome

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Verdun Aerodrome
Part of American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)
Located near: Verdun, France
Verdun Aerodrome is located in France
Verdun Aerodrome
Verdun Aerodrome
Coordinates49°09′33″N 005°24′47″E / 49.15917°N 5.41306°E / 49.15917; 5.41306
TypeCombat Airfield
Site information
Controlled by  Air Service, United States Army
ConditionAgricultural area
Site history
Built1918
In use1918–1919
Battles/wars
World War I
Garrison information
Garrison1st Pursuit Group (Elements)
United States First Army Air Service

Verdun, in the Meuse department, is a small city on the river Meuse, which was heavily fortified before WWI. A military airfield was created in 1912 out of the eastern part of the city, in a place called "Faubourg Pavé" (Paved Suburb). Navigation charts did not show the airfield.

From the beginning of the war until the outbreak of the Battle of Verdun, in February 1916, the Faubourg Pavé airfield was widely used by the French Air Service. As the battle developed, many airfields were built further away from the front line and "Faubourg Pavé" had to be abandoned.

In 1918, many American Air Service squadrons flew from airfields around Verdun, as Julvécourt, Souilly, Lemmes or Béthelainville. Sources also mention temporary detachment of the 95th Aero Squadron to a "Verdun" airfield, without any further details.

Known units assigned

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See also

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References

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

  • Series "D", Volume 2, Squadron histories,. Gorrell's History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
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