Air Service liaison regulations. Part I. General liaison with other units

              Auburn Universi ty I ibraries
1111111 lllll lllll lllll ll/11 Ill/I II/II lllll lllll lllll li ll lllll ll/1/ IIIII IIII IIII
'- 3 1706025847505 J
AIR SERVICE INFORMA N CIRCULAR
Vol. I
(HEAVIER-THAN-Al R )
PUBLISHED BY THE CHIEF OF AIR SERVICE, WASHINGTON, D. C.
August 30, 1920
AIR SERVICE LIAISON REGULATIONS
PART I
GENERAL LIAISON WITH OTHER UNITS
THE FOLLOWING IS PUBLISHED FOR INFORMATION ONLY. THE VIEWS
EXPRESSED ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE CHIEF OF
AIR SERVICE. NOTHING HEREIN JS TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN ORDER
OR DIRECTION WITH WHICH STRICT COMPLIANCE IS NECESSARY
No. 89
Ralph Brown Orauuho.,
LIBRARY
l'
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1920
MAR 2 7 2013
Non-Depoitory
Auburn University
•.'.
1
NoTE .- The following notes were first tentatiYely prepared as Pamphlet Xo. 4 of the 0. D. A. S. and gi.Yen a
limited circulation under the authority below:
\\-AR DEPARTMENT,
OFFICE OF THE DIREC·roR OF AIR SER\"ICE,
Washington, July 31, 1919.
The following provi sional Air Service Liaison Regulations are published for the information and guidance of all
concerned. These regula.tions are published in three parts, Part II being published in Pamphlet No. 3, and Part
III, in Pamphlet No. 4, 0. D. A. S.; Part I will be published at a later d~te.
By direction of the Director of Air Service:
i\'1r. F. P EARSOX,
Colonel, A. S. A ., .Administrative Exeeuti·i:e.
Publication is now being made for information only in the Air Service Information Circular in order that the
paper may reach all those directly interested. Criticisms and corrections are im·ited in order that there may eYen­tually
be evoh ·ed a manual on this subject.
(2)
INDEX.
Introduction ........... .... ..... ...... .......... . ..... .. . .. ... . . . . . ... . .. . ..... .. .. ... . . .. .. . .. . . . ..... .
}.feans and methods ..... . .............. .. ....... ..... .. .. .. ... . · .... .. ... . ... . . . .. .... . ...... .. .......... .
Liaison with the line ........ .. ... . .... .. ..... . ..... ..... .. . .... ..... ........ . ............. . . . ... .. . . . ... .
Liaison between flying units ......... . .. ... .... . ... ... .... ....................... .. ................ . ..... .
- Liaison between Army Air Service and antiaircraft artillery .. .... .. ... .. .... ..... .... ... . . ................. .
Liaison between Axmy AiT Service and searchlight engineers ..... ..... . ... ... .. .. .. ..... . . ... . .. . . .... ... . .
Liaison between Army Air Sen-ice and observation balloons .. .. .... .. . ........ .. .. .................. ..... . .
ANNEX I.
Page.
4
4
4
5
6
7
7
Plans of employment with diagram ........ . .............. .. ...... . ... .. . . . ............ . ... .... . . . . . : .... . . 8
Field orders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Battle orders ...... .. ................. . ........ .. .... .. ...... . ........ .... ... ....... .... ..... ." . . . . . . . . . . 21
Telephone liaison (diagram).. .. . . ...... ... .. ... ... . . .. . .... .. .. . .... .. .................. . . . ......... . .... 24
Radio liaison (diagram) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CONTENTS.
Introduction .... . .. .......... . . ............ ... . . ........ .. .... . ................................. .. .... . . 4
Plans of employment.
Battle orders.
Reports.
(NoTE.-For sample, plans of employment and battle orders see Annex: I.)
Means and methods of liaison.. . .. . . . .. . ........ .... .... ..... ........ ..... . ..... . ........... . .............. 4
Mechanical.
Personal.
Liaison with the line....... . ........ . .................................... . ...... . . . .... . ............. .. .. 4
(a) Personal liaison.
l. Importance.
2. Responsibility.
3. Detail of offieers.
4. Type of officer.
(b) Outline of duties.
l. With regard to codes, pamphlets, etc.
2. Information of the Air Service.
3. Selection of message dropping grounds.
(c) Establishment of .communication.
( d) Instruction of troops of t)ie line.
Liaison between fl}ing units .. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
(a) Squadron and group .
(b) Group and corps Air Service.
(c) Corps Air Senice and wing.
(d) Wing and Army Air Service.
(e) Wing obserrntion and wing pursuit.
(f) Group observation and group pursuit.
Liaison between Army Air Service and antiaircraft artillery.. ..... .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
(a) }leans.
(b) Code to be used.
1. Periodical messages.
2. Special messages concerning airplanes.
3. Special messages concerning balloons.
'Liaison between Army Air Service and searchlight Engineers.. . . ... . .. . .. . ........ ... .... ..... ... ... . . ..... . 7
(a) Organization.
(b) Communication.
(c) Object.
Liaison between Army Air Sen-ice and observation balloons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
l. Distribution.
2. Communication.
3. Object.
(3)
AIR SERVICE LIAISON.
INTRODUCTION.
Air Service liaison is a large and many angled subject,
but one ,,herein the subdivisions are quite distinct.
The word " liaison" originally, in the French, meant con·
nection and gradually came to mean communication.
As such it was ad0pted by all the allied armies. Liaison
then to us covers all means and methods of communica­tion.
To some extent the Air Service organization is quite
independent of the other branches of the Army, thereby
accent uating the necessity of perfect communication.
The beginning of the employment of liaison during active
operations comes with the call of the general commanding
the Army to the Chief of the Air Ser~ice for the plans of
employment of his units. The plans of the intended ac­tion
having been submitted by the Army Chief of Staff,
the Chief of Air Service in turn returus to him the plans of
how he intends to dispose of his air forces according to
the tactical si tuation and the plans of engagement.
After the plan for the disposition of the air forces have been
approved, the Chief of the Army Air Service causes to be
promulgated battle orders covering said action. New
battle orders are issued whenever the si tuation changes
or upon the, initiative of the chief. During periods of
great activity new battle orders are issued daily. These
orders are forwarded by commissioned courier from Army
Air Service headquarters except during period of great
activity, when they are delivered to a commissioned of­ficer
of each corps Ail' Service, generally the informatiqn
officer, each night at Air Service Army headquarters. In
turn these orders are the basis of the battle orders emanat­ing
from the corps Air Service headquarters. These bat­tle
orders include a resume of the action since the previous
orders and give the battle line in details. . Changes of the
larger and more important posts of command with both
the new and old location are mentioned, and the g~neral
outline of operations from the tactical point · of vie,v.
These battle orders are often accompanied by maps,
visualizing the information contained in the writing.
Reports form a very important part of the Air Service
liaison, and we may classify them under three headings­radio,
verbal, and written . Radio and verbal reports
were used to keep various headquarters accurately in­formed
at all times of the actiYity of the Air Service.
Such information as the n umber of missions on the lines,
the number of pursuit patrols out, decisive combats, and
the enemy aircraft seen and encountered is of great value
when promptly transmitted to the various headquarters
concerned . Written reports form the basis of operations
and in t urn they include the results of such operations.
"ritten reports containing a summary. of operations and
the physical condition of the units is compiled daily by
squadron, group, corps Air Service, wing and Army Air
Service headquarters. Liaison from the airplane to the
ground is most satisfactory by writ t~n dropped message.
Commanding generals place much more credence in such
reports, rather than radio messages o~ even telephone
messages. All Air Service stations are connected by tele­phone,
and the more important stations have radio equip­ment
as well. Reports proceeding by ei ther of these
methods do not have the same force as the spoken or writ­ten
word, except perhaps where such report is sent and
received by the two individuals concerned.
NoTE.-For sample plans of employment and battle or­ders,
see Annex I.
MEANS AND METHODS OF LIAISON.
The transmission of information is one of the subheads of
l iaison. :Many means were used, the principal of which
we might say is the telephone, only second i the airplane
itself, and in some cases it might be classed second to none.
'l'hen we have radio. motor-cycle courier. automobile
courier . airplane courier , pigeons. This subject is so
broad that it seems impossible to properly classify the im­portance
of the various means. 1Vith the airplane work­ing
with the troops on the ground, we use the radio,
visual signals. panel signals, etc.
Personal liaison developed into a very important part
of the Air Service operations. A personal liaison is a visit
made for the purpose of giving and receiving information,
or perhaps to become better acquainted only for purpose
of increasing mutual confidence and "camaraderie."
LIAISON WITH THE LINE.
Liaison with the line is carried on by the Air Ser vice,
particularly the observation branch. through the mechan­ical
means and by reports and messages, but principally
through the Air Service liaison officers, and personal
l iaisons made by the flying officers of the squadron and
group wi th which the line unit is working. These
liaisons are of the highest importance, and give to the line
units a knowledge of the Air Service that could not have
been obtained in any other way. At the same time this
gives the younger and inexperienced flying officers in the
Air Service a more intimate and appreciative knowledge
of the line units.
Such iiaisons should be included in the regular program
under all conditions: nothing so tends to increase the ef­ficiency
of the Air Service working with the line units.
The Air Service is a comparatively new branch of the
Army . It is of the utmost importance that missions with
the line on the iron t or field exercises in the training areas
be carried on with dispatch and precision. Any failures
in such liaison are wont to be credited to the Air Service.
Personal liaison with the line, to a great extent, insures
the success of such missions. The Air Service has there­fore
taken it upon themselves to maintain this personal
liaison with the line. This work is carried on by flying
officers, p rincipally observers, from observation units.
During active operations, liaison officers of the Air Service
( 4)
5
are permanently detail ed at corps ancl division headquar­ters.
Temporarily detailed liaison officers are contin­ually
making trips back and forth to the line units b oth
during active and inactive periods.
It is customary to select observers for detail as liaison
officers because of their more int imate knowledge in the
work of the line units and also the fac t that they were the
ones working with the line while in the air. · A great
rnanv of our observers were originally line offi cers. The
sele;tion of officers necessary for such details must be
made very carefully . Primarily they must have the
strictest sense of devotion for duty. They must be thor­oughly
familiar wi th all branches of the '\ir Service and
particularly must they know all the fine pomts of observa­t
ion and have perfo rmed the various missions. The liaison
officer of the Chief of the Air Serv:ice and the one attached
t tJ the corps and divisions must constantly remember
that he is the personal representative of the Chief of the
Air Service, group or squadron , and as such must maintain
the highest ideals wi th 1·egard to the r esponsibility placed
upon him. With tact, courtesy, constant self-control, and
good temper, a liaison officer can accomplish real results,
but to do so he must give constant consideration to the
fact that he deals of importan t matters with officers of high
rank and should govern himself accordingly . With him
lies, in great part, the duty to build up among the line
organizations the proper confidence irJ the Air Service of
which the fo rmer in general knows so li ttle.
have not been instructed in how to cooperate with the
airplane Infantry contact missions with uninstructed in­fantry
ma1.-ing the mission exceeclingly more dangerous.
The motto of, "No mission assigned to the Air Service,
shall fail if corrective measures can be applied whether
those measures properly come within the sphere of the Air
Service or not," is the proper attitude for all Air Service
units.
:Sis duties have been already touched upon, but he is
also responsible for the proper dissemination of codes and
pamphlets pertaining to the work of the Air Service. :Se
submits a wTitten report to the unit chief of staff, through
his co= anding officer, where he believes there is negli­gence
in the distribution of such matter . :Se shall be re­sponsible
that the tmit wi th which he is effecting liaison
is kept continua.Jly informed as to the Air Service, its prob­l
ems, difficult ies, and limitations. :Se shall be responsible
for the location of panel stations and that any changes in
location of P. C.'s and panel station, are immediately sent
to the Air Service headquarters concerned.
Establishment of communication is the first duty of a
liaison officer. Arrangements are made with the chief
signal officer at Army or corps headquarters for such instal­lations
as are necessary. The motorcycle dispatch service
is a very important part of the Air Service liaison. Regu­lar
service is established by Army Air Service !Ieadquar­ters
to all the units under its command to carry communi­cations
of daily importance. Regular couriers from var­ious
Corps Air Service headq uarters are dispatched to carry
the daily reports to the superior headquar ters for compila­tion
and forwarding until Army !Ieadquarters make up the
condensed report covering all aerial activity in the Air
Service of the Army . This report goes to all the Air Ser­vice
organizations concerned the day following, as well as
to all corps and divisional units and Chiefs of Artillery by
regular courier. The establishment of the radio nets is
covered in another chapter. Courier airplane serivce is
established when conditions warrant.
LIAISON BETWEEN FLYING UNITS.
LIAISON BETWEEN SQUADRON AND GROUP .
With the Aero Squadron as the tactical unit of Air Serv­ice
troop in active operations on the front , it is necessary,
for the purpose of administration and supply that more
than one such unit be placed ordinarily on an airdrome,
and that where two or more of the~e squadrons are on the
same airdrome, they are under an administrative organiza­tion
known as a group . The staff of the group corresponds
in activity to the staff of our Army post, as all mat ters per­taining
to the operation or administration of the individual
units are handled through the group headquarters, and the
latter is responsible for the field or airdrome at all times.
·where the squadrons are all on the same airdrome, the
group establishes the "operations office" and the latter is
so arrancred that each squadron has its particular portion of
the ope;:'a,tions room for the necessary detailed work of the
particular unit, and yet the general information and the
"eneral instructions of the group are arranged for the bene ­fit
of all. (See pamphlet on Operations Room. )
The squadron is responsible for the actual accomplish­ment
of the various missions assigned to the squadron, and
the executive personnel of the group is responsible, as a
higher authority, that each unit is at all times in condition
to carry out the necessary activi ties assigned , and makes
the necessary assignments or reassignments to meet the
condi tions existing in the units under the group.
·where a squadTon is detached from a group it is neces­sary
that the squadron establish proper liaison with the
execu tive officers of the group, in order that it may have at
all times the proper information and instructions regarding
its particular work. The group has general supervision
over the field of the isolated squadron·, but owing to the
isolated· condition, the squadron co=ander exercises to a_
great extent the command of both the unit and field, re­porting
as in all cases to the group commander for general
instructions. In the latter case it is necessary that the
squadron establish an "operations room " and duplicate to
a certain extent the equipment of the group h eadquarters,
in order that thP. flving personnnl may have the facilities
for the study and acquisition of the necessary information
pertaining to their work.
In the latter case, telephone connection and motorcycle
couriers are very essential and should be established and
maintained in excellent order at all times.
GROUP AND CORPS AIR SERVI CE COMMANDER.
Instruction of t roops of the "line in aviatton liaison, es­pecially
with the Infantry and Artillery , is one of the most
important functions of the Air Servi ce. It is well nigh ·
useless to at tempt an artillery adjustment if the troops
In order that there may l'>e an adviser with the Corps
Commander of an Army Corps at all times for the purpose
of interpreting the wishes of the corps co=ander to the
Air Service units, a Corps Air Service commander is ap­pointed
and with a small staff establishes a headquarters
6
with the corps commander. He and his staff initiate orders out their mis ions when the greatest amount of friendly
covering the operations of the units asssigned to the corps pw-suit is on the lines. Reports brought in by either
and to a great extent distribute these orders among the branch which are of interest to the other should be irnme­separate
units. diately communicated. The pursuit will furnish p rotec-
In order that orders may be issued, governing the opera- tion on missions when necessary. 'fhis should be arranged
tions of the uni ts under the Corps Air Service commander by the Corps Air Service commander or obsen·ation wing
with a thorough understanding on bis part as to the facili- commander through the p ursuit wing commander.
tiee for the execution of same, it is necessary that very close
liaison exist between his headquarters and the headquar­ters
of the group.
It is not only the duty of the Corps Air Service com­mander
to interpret the wishes of the corps commander,
but it is also his duty to convey to the corps commandei
LIAISON B.ETWEEX OBSERVATION GROUP AXD PURSUIT
GROUP.
Where conditions are such that certain pursuit units can
be assigned to cooperate with observation units, close per­sonal
liaisons should be established. Direct telephon1c
the conditions under which the Air _Service must operate communication should be maintained .
to do so most efficiently, and to aid in interpreting the
information brought back by the airplanes and repor ted LIAISON BETWEEN THE ARMY AIR SERVICE AND
to the Corps Air Service commander headquarters by
radio, dropped messages, or verbal conversation. 'l'hese
latter methods of conveying information to the Corps Air
Service commander are some of the means of establishing
close liaison between the squadrons and the Corps Air
Service commander. In order to have a thorough under­standing
at all times of conditions, it is also necessary that
an adequate courier system be established for transmit­ting
orders and other papers of administration to and from
the group, and that an efficient telephone system be estab­lished
which will be available at all times fOl' conversa­tion
between the group and the Corps Air Service com­mander.
LIAISON BETWEEN ARMY AIR SERVICE AND WING
HEADQUARTERS.
When possible these two headquarters should be located
together, for in reality the wing comrnandi'ng officer is a
department head on the staff of the Army Chief of Air
Service re3ponsible for the policy and program in regard
to tactics. When the headquarters are separated, motor­cycle
couriers, direct t elephone connection, and personal
liaisons by both the commanding officer and liaison officer
will keep a vei·y close liaison between the two. It is the
particular function of the various wing headquarters to
keep the Army Chief of Air Service up to the minute
on all matters of a tactical nature.
LIAISON BETWEEN CORPS AIR SERVICE AND WING
HEADQUARTERS.
The Corps Air Service commander acts as an adviser to
the Corps chief of sta'ff and is responsible for the tactical
employment of the Corps Air Service forces. The wing
supervises the method of operation and tends to keep the
work of all corps m1iform. The wing liaison officer is re-
. sponsible for the personal liaison between the two. Daily
courier service and telephone communication are main­tained.
LIAISON BETWEEN OBSERVATION WING HEADQUAR'l'E RS
AND PURSUIT WING HEADQUARTERS.
Between observation wing headquarters and pursuit
wing. headquarters a very close liaison should be estab­lished,
particularly so that the observation units can carry
THE ANTIAIRCRAFT ARTILLERY.
The liaison between the Army Air Senice and the anti-aircraft
artillery will d epend to a large extent upon the
size and terrain of the sector occupied.
There are now six standard means of establishing this
liaison, i. e.:
(1) \Vire telephone communications.
(2) Wire telegrnph co=unications.
(3) Radio telephone commmlications.
(4) Radio telegraph communications.
(5) Visual signal commm1ications.
(6) Messenger communications.
The type of communication for a particular operation
will be d etermined by the conditions of the operation.
The following paragraphs give the standard communica­tion
for a general problem, but should be changed to suit
conditions of a speci fic problem.
The antiaircraft artillery on the Army fro nt is divided
into sectors, usually three batteries to a sector. The bat­teries
" i ll lmYe wire telephone, messenger, and visual (if
possible) communication with the sector headquarters.
The objeCL of this liaison is to furnish information of the
activity or approach of allied ·or enemy aircraft. The sector
headquarters 1'ill, when · practical, have wire telephone
connection to a balloon , division, or corps telephone cen­tral.
'l'he principal means of communication of the anti­aircraft
artillery sectors will be the antiaircraft artillery
pw-suit radio telegraph net. The antiaircraft pursuit
radio net will consist of the following stations:
(1) Army Air Service radio.stations located at the head­quarters
of the Army Air Service commander, which will
act as a post command station .
(2) An tiaircraft artillery sector, radio stations located
near the headquarters of the antiaircraft artillery sector.
(3) P ursuit group radio stations located on the airdrome
of the p ursuit groups .
(4) Special radio stations that may be established for
special pursuit work or night flying.
The ·object of this liaison is to furni h information on :
(1) Enemy aerial activity.
(2) Position of enemy observation balloons.
(3) Weather conditions on the fron t.
Two types o'f messages will be sent, i. e., periodical and
special. The messages will be sent in code similar to the
one given h ereafter.
7
CODE TO BE USED. LIAISON BETWEEN THE ARMY AIR SERVICE AND
THE SEARCHLIGHT ENGINEERS.
(a) Periodical messages.-All eYen hours (6, 8, 10, until The searchlight engineering regiments are diYided into
20 h.) the 11·i reless stations of the sectors send a message companies and the companies into platoons. Each
prepared as follows: platoon operates a searchlight. In an Army sector, wire
1. Indicating the station. telephone communication will be established between the
2. Letter "R" follo,Yed by the number of enemy pur- platoons of a company and the company headquarters.
suit airplanes seen during the preceding two hours. Wire or radio telephone communications will also be
3. Letter " F" if the pursuit airplanes haYe been seen established between the company headquarters and
ornr the friend ly lines or letter "D" if they were over the regimental headquarters. Wire telephone communica­enemy
lines. Number indicating the approJcimate dis- tion will be established between the regimental head­tance
of the airplanes from the lines. . . . / quarters and the Army telephone central. Radio telc-
4. Letter_".\." followed by_ a ~umber ~ndicating the graph liaison will be established with Air Service units
aYerage altitude of the pursmt au-planes ill thou and of in the antiaircraft artill ery pursuit radio net. The object
feet (number 1, from O to 1,000 feet; number 2, from 1,000 of this liaison is to furnish information concerning:
to 2,000, etc.). . (1) Enemy aerial actiYity.
5. Letter " B" follow·ed by the number of observat10n (2) Fi·ienclly aerial activity. ,
airplanes seen during the preceding two hours. . (3) Visual signals, especially for night flying.
6. Letter "V" f?llowed by the n~ber of reconn~issance The important operations of the searchlights are mostly
and photograph airplanes seen dunng the preceding two at night when the antiaircraft artillery stations will not
hours. . have much to report. (N OTE.-This net was successfully
7. Letter "Z " conventional signal for "enemy observa- operated over the group of Army sectors in Fi·ance. The
tion balloons." net contained 18 stations and on active clays reported from
8. The coordinates of the enemy observation balloons 300 to 400 enemy aircraft.)
will be given the standard Army coordinate method.
9. Letter "N" fo llowed either with a number (0 to 9) LIAISON OF THE ARMY AIR SERVICE WITH THE
indicating the approximate heights of the clouds in hun- f OBSERVATION BALLOONS.
dred feet (N) indicating very low clouds, fog; "N 9" The observatio~ balloon sectors of the Army front are
indicating clouds at about 900 feet, or letter " H " indicat- mapped out according to the number of corps and divisions
ing clouds higher than 1,000 feet or no clouds. in the Army. Normally the balloon companies are as-
Example: R 8 D 2 A 2 B 4 V 7 Z P 33 P 41 N 8. signed as follows:
"The antiaircraft artillery sector.has seen during the One balloon to each division of the Army.
two hours 8 pursuit airplanes, the most aggressive patrol One balloon to each Army Corps.
sta)ing 2 kilometers within its lines, aYerage altitude of One balloon to the Army.
the airplanes 2,000 feet, 4 adjustment airplanes, 7 recon- J Wire or radio telephone communication will be estab­naissance
airplanes, 1 balloon region X, another one in lished between the divisional balloon central and the
the region Y; heavy clouds at about 800 feet." diYision's telephone central and to the divisional Artillery
Special messages concerning the plancs.-These messages brigade headquarters. Radio telephone or telegraph and
are sent eYery time an unusual activity of the enemy visual liaison will be established bel,veen the divisional
aYiation is obserYed. They are established as follows: Artillery units and the balloon group headquarters. The
1. Indicating the station. object of this liaison is to furnish information to the general
2. Number of airplanes seen. staff of the division concerning the activities at the front
3. Letter N., S., E., or W. giYing the direction of the to control artillery fire against the enemy.
enemy airplanes seen from the observation post. Wire or radio telephone communications will be estab-
4. Direction followed by the airplanes. lished between the corps balloon central, the corps Artil-
5. Number gi,ing the approximate altitude in thousand lery headquarters, and the balloon group headquarters.
feet. The letter '·I " inserted between the letter giving Radio telephone or telegraph, and t11e visual liaison will
the direction followed by the airplanes and the altitude be established between the corps balloon and the units
means a call of an urgent character. of the corps artillery. 'fhe object of this liaison is to
Special messw1cs concerning the balloons.-To be sent furnish information to the general staff of the corps con­every
time a balloon is seen going up or ~own ( do no~ signal / cerning the activi ties of the front and to control the corps
same i[ this happens at the regul ar time for penodical artillery fire against the enemy.
message). They are established as follows: Wire or radio telephone communication will be estab-
1. " UZ," meaning that the balloon goes up or "UD," lished between the army balloon headquarters and the
that it comes down. ' Corps headquarters. Radio, telephone, or telegraph liaison
2. Coordinates of the balloon as for periodical message. ! will be e_stablished between the Army,balloo~ h eadqua~·-
Example of a message: ters and the Army headquarters. fhe obiect of this
U Z P 33 "A balloon goes up in region P 33.n liaison is to furnish information to the General Staff of
Dz P 41. "A balloon comes down in the region P 41." I the Army concerning the activities at the front .
•
8
ANNEX I. PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT OF AIR SERVICE UNITS, THIRD ARMY, AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY
FORCES.
The following conditions are considered:
1. _Period of armistice.
2. Resumption of hostilities.
1. PERIOD OF ARMISTICE.
The employment of Air Service during the period of the
armistice mll include its:
1. Disposition of forces. (See Appendix No. 1.)
2. Instrnction. (See Appendix No. 2.)
3. Supply. (See Appendix No. 3.)
4. Operations.' (See Appendix No. 4. ProYisional
Manual of Operations for Air Service Units, Third Army.)
5. Liaison. (See Appendix No. 5.)
6. Preparation.
All available data of military value will be secured in
reference to territory occupied by the enemy, such as
strategic objectives, both primary and secondary, rail­roads,
highways, waterways, industrial centers, bridges,
ammunition dumps, and rest areas. This will be effected
by means not in _violation of terms of the armistice.
Action will be taken to determine requirements in
personnel and material and the time necessary to obtain
same through the present system of supply.
2. RESUMPTION OF HOS'l'ILITIES.
'rhe Air Service must be prepared to meet the following
conditions:
A. Offensive.
B. Defensive.
C. Withdrawal.
A. OFFENSIVE.
The offensive is considered in four phases:
1. Preparation.
2. Immediately preceding the advance.
3. During the advance.
4. The exploitation.
1. PREPARA'.l:!ON,
General mission.-The general mission of the Air Service
in case of an offensive is to: (a) Prevent access to our lines
by enemy airplanes and observation by enemy balluons;
(b) secure all necessary data for the attack ·by means of
photogrnphic missions and day and night Yisual recon­naissance,
without indicating to the enemy the coming
attack; (c) hinder as much as possible without disclosing
our intentions, enemy concentration of troops and sup­plies
by the employment of day and night bombardment.
Mission of-
Pursuit.-To prevent enemy aerial observation; to main­tain
sufficient offensive patrols to insure the success of our
observation; to cooperate >1ith day bombardment during
raids.
Day bombardment.- To bomb principal railroad centers,
detraining points, ammunition dumps and troop con­centrations
to a depth of 25 kilometers.
1 Data and instructions of this section included in revised form in this
alld the other liajson circulars.
Night bombardment.- To bomb all important enemy
stl'ategic areas, railroad centers in the rear areas, canton­ments,
parh and airdromes.
Army observation.-To carry out normal missions of both -
visual and photographic reconnaiseance to a depth of 25
kilometers; to carry out special missions as ordered by the
command.
Army artillery .- To carry out such missions as are ordered
by the ATmy Artillery commander.
Army corps observation.~ To carry out all missions
ordered by the respective commanders.
2. HIMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE ADVANCE.
General mission.-During the period immediately pre­ceding
the attack, the role of the Air Service will remain
as it was during the preparatory phase. Depth of day and
night bombardment will, however, become mol'e re­stricted.
Mis~ion of-
Pursiiit.-The pursuit will insure the barrage of our front
against hostile observation of the movements ordered; it
will protect ow· observation airplanes at every altitude; in
offensive patrols it will attack the enemy's pmsuit, obser­vation,
battle-airplanes and balloons; on special orders it
will attack concentration of enemy troops, convoys and
machine gun nests; offensive night patrols will be main­tained
to attack enemy night bombardment airplanes.
Day bombardment.-The role of day bombardment will
remain the same as in the preparatory phase, but missions
mll be confined to a depth of 15 kilometers. Special
attention will be given to daybreak raids upon concen­trations
of troops, convoys, and airdromes, and raids
upon posts of command and ammtmHion clump, .
Night bombardment .- Will remain the same as in pre·
paratory phase. Objectives of the main line of supply
wHl be vigorously attacked.
Army observation.-Same as in 1.
Army artillery.-Same as in 1.
Army corps observation.-Same as in 1.
3. DURlNG THE ADVANCE.
General mission.-The general role of the Air Service will
remain the same as during the period immediately pre­ceding
the attack. Greater attention, however, will be
given to active and close cooperation with the infantry
and artillery on the battlefield.
Mission of- ·
Pursuit.- 'l'o destroy all enemy airplanes and balloons
throughout th.e zone as far as the line of exploitation and
to ·a distance on each flank to be indicated in special
orders as the situation warrants; to protect observation
airplanes and balloons; to cooperate with day bombard­ment.
during raids; to attack with machine-gun fire and
small bombs ground troops in mass, wagon trains and cons
voys; to at.tack enemy night bombing airplanes aiid render
protection to our night bombing airplanes by harassing
enemy antiaircraft defenses to a depth of 10 kilometers.
Day bombardment.- To attack troop concentrations,
posts of command and important lines of communication
to a depth of 15 kilometers; to take advantage of every
•
opportunity to attack large columns of troops and con voys
both with bombs and machine-gun fire.
Night bombardmenl.- The same as in period immediately
preceding attack. Special attention will be given to the
centers which show unusual activity by increase of lights.
Army observation.- To execute all missions ordered by
the command; in the absence of special instructions to
carry out constant deep reconnaissance missions; to obtain
information as to enemy activity in rear areas, particularly
in 1:egard to large troop movements.
Army artillery .- Same as in 1.
Army Corps. - Same as in 1.
4 . EXPLOIT A TlON.
The same general plan will be follow·ed as during the
advance, with modification necessary to meet the special
situation. Detailed instructions will be issued in battle
orders.
B . DEFENSIVE.
1. Early preparation.
2. Holding of position.
1. EARLY PREPARATION.
Employment of Air Service will be the same as in A,
1 and 2.
2 . IlOLDING OF POSITION.
Missions of-
Pursuit.-To attack and destroy enemy air forees; to
protect our own observation air service and to cooperate
with bombardment units as ordered.
Day bombardment.-To carry out normal bombardment
of the sectOT; to attack all important objectives to a depth
of 50 kilometers. The importance of visual reconnais­sance
by bombing observers will be emphasized.
Army observalion.__:Same as 1.
Army artillery.- Same as 1.
A rmy corps obsen1ation. - NOTE .- (ln case the defensive
develops, by counterattack, in to an offensive, or rcsul ts ill
10838- 20-2
9
a withdrawal, the employment of the Air Service will
follow the lines indicated herein for such contingencies.)
C. WITHDRAWAL.
General mission.-ln the event of a withdrawal, the
normal employment of the Air Service will he similar to
that during a defensive. The special si tuation will be
covered in battle orders.
In general, the Air Sen-ice will-
Prevent enemy aerial observation from keeping in con­tact
with our troops or locating their positions.
Attack the hostile columns and artillery.
Gather all information as to the disposition of enemy
forces and the location of our own troops and posts of
· command.
Bomb all important raih'oad centers, detraining points,
bridges, and troops' concentrations. Special attention will
be given to breaking up enemy attacks.
Attack continually, and by all means available, enemy
river crossings.
The following appendices are attached:
Appendix No. 1. Disposition of forces.
Appendix No. 2. Instruction. (Training Memorandum
No. 1.)
Appendix No. 3. Supply.
Appendix No. 4. Operations. (Provisional Manual ,
Operations for Air Service units, Third Army.)
Appendix No. 5. Liaison.
Plans of employment of pursuit, bombardment, arm
observation, balloons will be issued as the special situa,
tion warrants.
By command of Maj. Gen. Dickman:
Official:
MALIN CRAIG,
Chief of Sta.fl.
WM. MrTCHELL,
Brigadier General, United Stales Army,
Third Army, Air Service Commander.
RD CORPS 08.5.
fS' .4£/rOJ()OIV.
Lr.MEYERS
TREVES
~H?ifOTOSlCT/0.
L T. M~OOAIII/AL
TRev.e:s
".0CoRll5!iALLOO.
G.1/nlfEIS 6.1?.. .
UR.BAR
~o !JIILLOON Co
CA?T.CLAlf.
NEIOE/?8£/?G
/~7!JALLOONCO.
LT. /i'EE/J
;1/E!OE/?Bfli'G
ROCORP-5
l?!R Ofl?YIC£
COMMAN./JER
Af4./Af.5(/0#M
PRcPAREO UNOER fJIRECTION OF BR/6. GEN. Wu. MITCHELL
BY !NrORMATION ..5c:cr10N A1RS£Rv1cc 3Ro. ARMY JAN. 6/.91.9. ·
4r"CO/?R5 OBS. JTHco1r11sa
i,c11fAeRoS90: .
LT. ?4MOl.5£
87."AaroSpd, .
C4PT f: 114#.5.
C0!3Lf!VZ TREVE.5
4~Hf'Horo.Sccr. f27H/'l;or0Scer10.
LT. SA?P Lr.SM!Tlf
CoBLENZ TfiEVES
'!CoRPSffALLOON
.,4/'J: f-'4TTc/f.5U/V
ful?EN G/f.P.
~o flALLOONCo.
~ T. /(O.e#A
f./REN
71:H CORPS
AIROflrJ//CE
UJMMAN/lcfi
r4J. !J4J/IIJ.50N
,Pt/RSI/IT
':'0?h'OlllSL'CT£Z
LT fJAMlflLL
CoBLENZ
~~Ehl?. S~oiv.
C4P7.0/£1(£MA
TREV.ES
I07'1'llt7Tt?<..U"C/A
LT.6Are
TIU:J/ES
llcADpUARTERS Am SERVICE
3;y_o ARMY
BRt6. Gov. WM M!Tclf.cLL
C08LENZ
7:11,41;;, PAR Ir
CAN h'4!Vlr/lV
CoBUN2 L//TlEL
'4EROutpll,'. 3A£J?oSpoiv.
C4PT. COBB. CAPT. C!l!L.SON
'fl.5.5ENTtlRN COBLE NZ
ALL SpuAORON5 !Vow Ar Tn.e:v.e:.s A1noRoME
YlltLL ADVANCE lo WE/SSENTURN AIRO/i'OME
APPENDIX No.I To ?LAN Or CMPL.OYMENT Am ScRv1c£ THIRD ARNIY
11
APPENDIX NO. 2 TO PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT, AIR SERVICE UNITS, THIRD ARMY.
HEADQUARTERS AIR SERVICE, THIRD ARMY,
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.
Confidential .] JANUARY 2, 1919.
'!'RAINING MEMORANDUM NUMBER 1.
1. The present period will, be utilized by a ll Air Service
units for the institution and energetic carrying out of a
comprehensive program of instruction of both commis­sioned
and enlisted personnel.
2. Organization commanders will assure themselves, by
frequent and minute inspections, that all clothing, per­sonal
and technical equipment, transpOTtation, and
billets are clean and in proper condition. ·
3. Extreme smartn ess in clothing, appearance, set-up,
and saluting will be insisted upon at all times.
4. Corps Air Service commanders and commanding
officers of Army Air Service units will cause detailed
programs of instructions to be prepared for th~ir com­mands,
which programs will, in case of units stat10ned at
Treves and Coblenz airdomes, be subject to approval of
the commanding officers of the respective airdromes.
5. The object of such instructional work is the increased
efficiency of the unit, but in the arrangement of programs,
instruction should not be narrowly confu1ed to subjects of
technical interest to the Air Service alone. Theoretical
and practical training will be included in any field of work
which will either directly or indirectly contribute to the
value of the service of the per onnel under instruction.
6. The detai led course of instruction to be followed will
be indicated in a weekly program, and a copy of the
weekly program, together with a report upon instructions
during the preceding week, will be submitted to these
headquarters on Monday of each week.
A. TRAI~L'fG OF COMlliSSIONED PERSONNEL.
Instruction will cover both theoretical and practical
aspects of subjects of technical and military value.
Theoretical instruction will include the following sub­jects:
1. Study of the organization of: (a) a regiment, (b) a
brigade, (c) a division, (d) an army corps, (e) an. an~y,
(j) a group of armies, with the reasons for the orgalllzat10n
9f the groups mentioned and the functions of each.
2. ·Troop movements and disposition of combat units:
(a) The march to the front, (b) a route march, (c) a retreat,
(cl) a march of concentration, (e) occupation of a position,
(j) an offensive, (g) an attack . .
3. Study of the rear areas of an Army: (a) Lines of com­munication,
(b) sources of supply, such as railroads, supply
columns, dumps, etc.
4. Administration: (a) Organization and administration
of the squadron and larger Air Senice units, (b) military
correspondence with subdivii,ions and channels thereof,
(c) military discipline, (d) military dress, (e) military
courtesies, (j) military law and procedure in comts­martial.
5. Subjects for general study: (a) Military aviation from
the standpoint of pilot and observer, including care of
engine and airplane, (b) enemy airplanes with lectures
upon and inspection of various types of enemy airplanes
now available for study, (c) aerial photography and inter­pretation
of aerial photographs, (d) liaison with Infantry,
(e) duties of command and surveillance airplanes, (f) ad­justment
of fire of artillery of various calibers, (g) map
reading, (h) machine guns, (i) Infantry drill regulations,
(j) the duties of operations and liaison officers.
6. Practical exercises and instruction in the following :
(a) Setting up exercises, (b) athletic games and exercises,
(c) Infantry drill, (d) practice flight s, including cross­country
flights, practice photographic missions, formation
fli~hts, wireless-testing flights, rendezvous between pur­suit
and bombardment units, protection flights, (e) aeiial
"Unnery and target· practice, (f) exercises with Infantry
:nd Artillery, (g) practice in transmitting and receiving
with buzzer.
B. TR.:.UNL.~G OF ENLlSTED MEN.
1. Instrnction shall include the following subjects, the
work being carried out under the personal supervision of
an officer: (1) Daily settin~-up exercises, (2) Close order
drill (3) Noncommissioned officers' school which shall in­clucl~
instruction in seiected subjects of ·mi1itary and
technical value. The first week 's training shall include
a thorough review of the Manual of Interior Guard Duty,
( 4) Athletic games and exerci es.
By command of Brig. Gen. Mitchell,
L. H. BRERETON,
Lieiit. Colonel, Air Service, United States Army,
Chief of Staff.
12
APPENDIX NO. 3 TO PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT OF AIR SERVICE UNITS, THIRD ARMY, AMERICAN
EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, JANUARY 9, 1919.
SUPPLY.
The system of supply for Air Service units, Third Army,
American Expeditionary Forces, is as follows:
1. REPLACEMENT OF AIRPLANES.
Requisi tions will be forwarded to first air depot at
Colombey les Belles, a pilot from the squadron requiring
the replacement being sent to ferry the airplane to the
squadron airdrome. Inspection will be made by the pilot
and the airplane accepted ·if satisfactory before the ferry
flight from first air depot is begun.
Upon the establishment of the projected advance issue
point for airplanes at Briery the same procedure in obtain­ing
the replacements of airplanes as at fi rst air depot ,vill
be followed.
2. AVIATION SPARE PARTS AND SUPPLIES.
Requisitions for spare parts and supplies will be sub-
4. 1\WTOR TRANSPORT OIL AND GASOLINE.
Squadrons will obtain motor t ransport oil and gasoline
from the nearest railhead. T.he squadron equipment
officer will notify G-4, Third Army, as to squadron require­ments
in this respect and at what railheads delivery is to
be made.
5. RATIONS.
Rat.ions will be drawn at the nearest Third Army rail- ,
head.
6. SALVAGE OF AIRPLANES.
Fourth air park will be notified by telephone by squad­xon
commanders in regard to airplanes which require sal­vaging.
the message being confirmed in writing. This
notification will contain an accurate statement of the loca­tion
and condition of the airplane. A copy of the notifica­t
ion will be sent to the equipment officer, headquarters Air
Service, Third Army. The airplane requiring salvage will
be shipped by fourth air park to first air depot.
mitted to the fourth air park at Coblenz-Lutzel where they 1 . REPAIR OF AlRPLANES.
will be consolidated and transmitted to first air depot. . . . . . .
D. ·b · f 1· J · d -11 b cl b J Mrnor repairs on aHplanes and engrnes will be made by
1stn ut10n. o supp ies w ien receive Wl e ma e y the squadrons. If au· planes or engr· nes requi· re repa1· r too
the fourth au park · II extensive to be made by the squadron or if spare parts can
3. AIR.PLANE orL AND GASOLINE. not be obtained, the airplanes will be shipped by rail to
first air depot and replacement airplanes substituted.
Fourth air park will receive shipments of airplane oil I IRA B. JoRALEMON,
and gasoline by rail and truck and will deliver same upon Major, Air Service, United Slales Army,
requisition by squadrons. Equipment Officer.
APPENDIX NO. 5 TO PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT OF AIR SERVICE UNITS, THIRD ARMY, AMERICAN
EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.
LIAISON. 3. COURLER.
System of control, headquarters, Air Service.
The following methods of communication
utilized :
For t ransmission of operations repoi-ts and information
will be reports and bulletins and for general use between units and
headquarters, Aii: Service.
I. AIRPLANE COURIER, NJGR1' AND DAY.
For special courrier missions as ordered and for distribu­tion
of first urgency prints of aerial photographs.
2. LIAISON OFFICERS.
4. TELEPHONE, RADIO AND TELEGRAPH.
For immediate transmission of operations reports and in­formation
reports and for general use.
N OTE.- Graphic representation of system of telephonic
For transmission of battle orders and other secret matter and radio communications is attached hereto.
from headquarters, Air Service, to unit8 and for liaison with
other Army.
ANNEX NO. 3 (FIELD ORDERS NO. 9). PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT OF AIR SERVICE UNITS, FIRST
AMERICAN ARMY.
HEADQUARTERS, FIRST ARMY AMERICAN EX.
PEDITIONARY FORCES.
FRANCE, September 7, 1918.
1. PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT.
'fhis will consist of four stages, as enumerated below:
A. Early preparation (from now to day of attack).
B. Preparation immediately preceding the attack (from
the beginning of the artillery preparation).
C. The attack (first and second clays).
D. The exploitation.
A. EARLY PREPARATION (FROM NOW 1'0 DAY OF ATTACK).
I. ITS GENERAL INTENT.
(a) Keeping up the normal bombardment of the sector
so as not to draw enemy's attention to our a ir concentra­tion.
(b) Preventing access to om lines of hostile reconnais­sance
aviation. Hindering the observation work of hostile
balloons.
(c) Gathering all information necessary to the prepara­tion
of the attack, especially for the artillery preparation.
13
APPENPIX' /05 TO PLAN OF EMPLO,..,ENT
TELEPHONE ANO R""90/0 L/""9/cSON
AIR SERV/CE THIRD ,4RMY
Hear 8fat101V C.,4.S, Third Corps P. C. .Station
Heo,Fi~ld
R.Ft°eld .
o>--------l .... -------...--c
/;
I l
I I
I I
. Hetu· cSfo//on
Advonce Re/a
rQ/~pl,o,,. Clrc<1,t--
Rod10 L ,a/son - -
.P. c. Sraf/on
elva,.,ce
rie/d
P. C . ..Station
14
These missions should be carried out so as not to change
the usual aspect of the sector.
11. )HSSIONS OF EACH BRANCH OF AVIATION.
(a) Bornbardment.-French night bombardment, British
day and night bombardment; the normal bombardment of
the sector.
(b) Pursuit-
(1) French Air Division Pursuit Aviation: Will be ready
to act D- 2. It will only be called upon to act during this
period , if the activity oE hostile aviation should make it
necessary to strengthen the Army pursuit groups, and only
in such proportion as will be necessary to prevent enemy
reconnaissance inside our lines.
(2) Army Pmsuit Aviation ( 4 groups) : It will 'insure the
absolute barrage of the front and protect our observation
aviation at every altitude, from the Verdun-Etain Road as
far as the region northeast of Nancy. It will carry out
offensive patrols: attack balloons and troops on the ground
when ordered.
(c) Arrny reconnaissance aviation.-Photographic recon.
naissance will be canied on beyond the line marked by
the following points: Pagny, Stu-Moselle, Prony, Jaulyn,
St. Bemoit, Vigneulles, Doncourt-aux-Templiors, Maise­ray,
Etain as far as the Seille Valle, and the Metz, Con.flans,
Etain railway.
Visual reconnaissance will be carried out by day or by
night in order to watch the movements of concentration
or possible withdrawal of the enemy between the lines
mentioned above and the Spincourt-Thionville Boulay
line, according to instructions received from G-2.
(d) Anny.- Artillery aviation and Army Corps aviation :
Photographic reconnaissance and visual reconnaissance
of kinds ordered by the Army Artillery and Army Corps
as far as the line mentioned above.
Spotting of Artillery targets and any adjustments or
registrations necessary.
B. IMMEDIA'l'E PREPARA'l'ION PRECEDING THE A'r'J'ACK
(FROM THE BEGINNING OF 'J'HE ARTILLERY PREPARA­TION).
I. ITS GENERAL PURPOSES.
The action of aviation should be concentrated forward
of the lines, as far as the hostile detraining and refilling
railheads throughout the zone of opera~ions. Enemy
aviation and balloons should be strongly attacked.
II. SPECIAL MISSlONS OF EA.CH BRA.NCH OF AVIATION.
(a) Bornbarcbnent.-Bombardments at medium distance
from the zone of attack, dealing with detraining and re­filling
railheads, such as Metz, Chambley, Conflans,
Dommary, Baroncourt-Longuyon, bridges of the Meuse
between Dun and Sedan.
Hostile posts of command. Important aviation fields,
previously ordered by G-3.
(b) Pui·suit.-
(1) Aerial Division: Will destroy all hostile aviation
and b~lloons throughout the zone assigned to the Army
Corps as far as the line of exploitation, and, on the flanks
as far as 12 kilometers north of Pont-a-Mousson, and as far
as Etain, inclusive. ·
(2) Army pursuit groups: Will destrny all hostile avia­tion
in front or" our lines to a depth of 5 kilometers;
will insuTe the absolute liberty of action of our observation
aviation and balloons throughout this zone; will attack
those hostile balloons which are considered especially
dangerous.
(c) Army reconnaissance work.-Reconnaissance (photo­graphic
and visual) of the whole sector all-0tted to the
Army observation group.
(d) Artillery and Arrny Corps Aviation.-(1) Photographs
of destruction, (2) observation of Artillery fire, (3) surveil­lance,
(4) r econnaissance and command.
C. 'l'HE ATTACK (FIRST AND SECOND DAYS) .
I. GENERAL PURPOSES.
Same as during preceding period. The aviation will
take every.occasion to attack troops, trains, and important
targets on the ground.
II. ESP"ECL\..L MISSIONS OF EACH BRANCH OF AVIATION.
. (a) Bornbardrnent.-Attack of all impo.rtant objectives,
such as large gatherings of troops, material, airdromes, and
P. C.'s.
(b) Pursuit.-Same as during preceding period. More­over,
low-flying patrols should attack with bombs and
machine guns either enemy reinforcements marching to
the attack or enemy elements retreating.
(c) Arrny reconnaissance.-Same as during preceding
period.
(d) Anny Artillery Aviation and Arrny Corps Avia­tion.-(
1) Observing Artillery fire and its destruction (2)
liaison with Infant ry, (3) observation for the benefit of
the high command of the maneuvers of the enemy.
D. THE EXPLOITATION.
'l'he same system will be followed as in the period of
attack, it being varied according to the necessities of the
moment.
E. APPENDICES.
Appendix No. 1 shows the distribution of the air forces.
Appendix No. 2 the plan of bombardment aviation.
Appendix No. 3 the plan of pursuit aviation.
Appendix No. 4 the plan of reconnassaince aviation.
The plans for the utilization of aeronautical units with
the Army Ar tillery and with the Army Corps conform to
the general scheme and are prepared in detail by those
units.
By command of Gen. P ershing:
Official :
H. A. DRUM,
Chief of S tc~fl.
WILLIAM MI'rCHELL,
Colonel, Air Serv·ice, United States Anny,
Chief of Air S ervice, First Arrny.
15
THE PLAN OF BOMBARDMENT AVIATION.
HEADQUARTERS, AIR SERVICE, FIRST ARMY,
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.
FRANCE, September 7, 1918.
Fom •phases are to be considered:
1. Preparation.-Before the attack until the time of
- artillery preparation.
2. During the artillery preparation.
3. Day of the attack.-On the day of the attack from the
hom of the attack.
4. Exploitation.
1. PREPARATION- BEFORE THE ATTACK UN1'IL THE TIME
OF ARTILLERY PREPARATION.
Object.-To hinder enemy concentration by railroads
(arrival of reinforcements and supplies of any nature).
Destruction of enemy aviation on its flying fields.
In order to avoid giving the enemy any intimation of
the coming attack, it is desired that the bombing opera­tions
be continued with their present normal activity
simply selecting the objectives named below.
:Means to employ.-Bombardment of the principal rail­road
centers, points of forced passages leading to the zone
of operations at great distances. Bombardment of enemy
ai.J:dromes occupied by bombardment and pursuit avia­tion.
In concentrating on these objectives the bom­bardment
aviation to be employed is indicated below:
Object·ives. To be bombarded by- Orders of mission to be g\i ,en by- Reports on results to be addressed to-
Railroads:
15 Metz-Sablons. . . . ....... ,
17 Stations .............. . .. .
16 Thionville . .............. .
14 Bettemburg ............. .
20 Ehran~e. . .. . . ........ .
. 19 Teterchen. · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Day and night British squadrons.
A1rdr}~daty .... .. ... ...... . .. I
5 Frescaty .................. J
7 Boulay ..... . ........... . . .
6 Montoy ........... . .. .... .
9 Buhl.' .................... .
{
General commanding First American
Gen. Trenchard.......... ..... .. . Army, Chief of Air Service, First
American Army, by Gen. Trenchard.
Railroads: I 5 Longuyon . ............ ·· · l2 French night bombing groups } fGeneralcommandingFirstArmy. G-2,
foc,~i:i".ic:Roman· · · ·. · · (at Ep1ez and Chermisey), each Chief of Air Service, First American { G- 3, by Chief of Air Sesvico, F irst
2 \ ion ·· ·· · · · · J to. be under direct orders of the Army. l American Army.
5 B~ronCOWi ~: :- : -: : : : : : : First An1encan Army.
Rail roads: I
3 Sedan............. .. ... }3 F ch · ht b b ' f F ch f . f th 'General commanding Fi,st Army,
1 Vouiiers b ridges from Dun ren rug . om mg groups O ren group O armies O e ~ Chief of Air Service. First American
to Sedan....... .. . .. .. G.A.C. (1egrnn ofChalons). Center. L Armv,by commancting officer,G. •\.C. I .
Airdromes:
3 Mars-la-Tour ... .......... .
9 Puxieux .............. . ... .
Railroads:
3 Sedan ... .. .............. ..
2 Meiieres .................. .
4 Steney ................... .
1 Vouziers ... . ..... ........ ..
Airdromes:
{
General co=ancting First Army,
3 night bombing groups of the C. }Frenchgroupofarmiesofthecenter Chief of Air Servic~, First American
A. C. (region Chalons). Army by co=anding officer, general
co=anding.
2 Mouzon ......... . ........ .
1 Malny .................... .
Sam~ targets as for above French ! The day bombing groups from a l ( General co=anding First Army, G-2,
night bombing groups of the bri&ade of the French aerial Chief of French aerial division or G-2,ChiefofAirSorvice.,FirstAmeri-
G. A. C. d1vtS10nassoonasthoyareready. brigade I can Army by co=anamg officer of
These groups will go over the · the French aerial division or bri-lines
west of Verdun. gade.
2. DURING THE ARTILLERY PREPARATION.
Object.-To hinder transportation and detraining of
troops in zone of operations. Destruction of enemy avia­tion
on its flying fields .. But the present normal bombing
activity will be continued through this phase, in order to
adhere to the surprise element in tl1e coming attack.
Means to employ.-Destruction of railroad centers and
other points of forced passages (bridges on the Meuse · and
Moselle) around the zone of operations at average dis­tances,
and at the same time the concentration of troops
and supplies of all kinds.
16
To attack the principal enemy airdromes as indicated below:
Objecli,es. To be bombarded by- Orders of mission to be given by- Reports on results to be addressed to-
Ra ilroads:
15 Metz-Sablons .. .... .. ... . .
17 Stations .. .. ... .... ..... . .
16 Thionville . .. ...... . ..... .
18 Courecelles . . ............ .
Airdromes:
. {-General commanding First Army;
British day and night squadrons: }Gen. Trenchard... . ............... Chief of Air Service, First American
4 night and 3 day. Army by Gen. Trenchard.
5 F rescaty ... . .............. .
7 Boulay . ...... , ......... .. .
Rail~!~~:toy · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 1
~ t~~t~f~?ciur :: : :::::::: :::I
s Conflans.. ...... ..... .. .... 2 French 1tight bombing groups
6 Do=ary-Baroncourt ..... ' (Epiez and Chermisey) day
1 Valleroy dump ......... ...
1
bombing groups of the French
Airdromes: aerial brigade under the orders
1 J\Ialny. .. . . ...... ... ... .. . . of the First American Army.
2 ·Mouzon .... __ ... . . ....... -1
)
Genera I commancling First Ameri­can
Army, through Chief of Air
Service, First American Arn1y.
General commanding First Army; I Chief of Air Service, First American
Army by the commanding officer of
night bombing groups and by the
D. 0. of the French aerial cLivision
or brigade.
3 Mars-la-'l'our . . ........... .
4 Puxieu.-x . . ................ . .
a. DAY OF THE ATTACK-ON THE DAY OF THE ATTACK I bivouacs, etc.). reported by serial reconnaissances, by ob-
FROM THE HOUR OF THE ATTACK. servation posts, or seen by the bombers themselves. But
In general. the targets indicated hereafter, including \ the greatest emphasis should be given to the part relating
any important objectiYes such as troop concentrations or 1 to the bombing of enemy P. C. 's, and also to aerial bombing
clumps of material (concentration of troops, columns. 1 and fighting in close liaison with our own infantry.
To be bombarded by- I O d f . · b · 1 r ers o m1ss10n to e given by- Reports on results to b cad dr essed to-
Railroads:
17 stations.. . . . .... .... .... . 3 British day bombing squadrons . Gen. Trenchard. . .. .... . ...... ... . Army. Cltief of Air Service, First
15 Metz-Sablons ............. } {General corrunanding First American
18 Courcelles. ... .. . . . . . . . . . . American Army, by Gen. Trenchard.
Dumps and troop concentrations: ·
12 Pagny-sur-Meselle. .. ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................ . .... ... .. .
9 Mars-la-Tour.. . .. ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . .. . ............. .. . . . . . ..... . . ..... ... .
Dumps:
8 'fhiaucourt ......... . .... .
6 St. Je.-,n-lcs-Duzy .... .. ... .
10 Chambloy .. .. ........... .
7 Landres .................. .
5 Dommary-Baroncourt .... .
· !\ General commanding First Anny, G-~,
French day bombing squadrons of\ Chief of French \ erial Oidsion G-3 .. Chief of Air Sen,ice, . First
aenal bngade. J 1 • • • • • American Army, by commanding of- 3 Muzeray .................. .
l Loison: also anr t roop con-centrations
and posts of
ooul.Illand or con1munica­t
ion centers that can be
located.
ficer of the .F~ench aerial di\ision or I brigade.
Night s:i,uadrons same general targets as day squadrons; also railroad centers where reserrns detrain.
4. EXPLOITATION.
After the days of the attack, exploitation and continua- .
tion of attack.
Observations.-Here, too, special emphasis should be
given to the part relating to the bombing of enemy P. C'.,
gathering of troops. columns. etc .. in close liaison wi.th
our infantry. Objectives will be determined according
to situation at the time being.
The targets in each case are given in order of their rela-tive
importance and in general should be bombed in that
order.
The French bombing units will be furnished by the
First American Army with all the documents, maps, in­formation
, and objectives, etc., which may be necessary
for them and which they may not have j.n their possession
for the execution of their missions.
WILLIAM MITCHELL,
Colonel, Air Service, United Stales Army,
· Chief of Air Service, First Anny.
APPENDIX NO. 3. THE PLAN OF PURSUIT AVIATION.
HEADQUARTERS, AIR SERVICE, FIRST ARMY,
-AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.
FRANCE, September 7, 1918.
COMPOSITION.
First pursuit group, at Rembercourt under command of
Maj. Hartney; first pursuit wing of .three pursuit groups
and one day bombardment group under command of Maj.
Athnson at Toul; second pursuit group, Toul; third
pursuit group, Vancoulers North ; G. C. (French) No.
lG, Vanroulers South; first clay bombardment group,
Amanty.
ZONE OF ACTIO~.
First pursuit group, between line Verdun-Bix-Etain,
and line :Maj . Hartney ; Spada, Heuclicourt; first pursuit
wing, between lines Spacla-Vigneulles, and line, Maj.
Atkinson:· Nancy, Solguz.
17
These units will be used to fulfill the missions pre­scribed
in the plan throughout the sector of the front
mentioned ahove.
The den~ity, the strength . the altitude, the general
mode of work of the patrol s, will be settled accorcling to
the variations of activity of the enemy, and according to
the missions which have to be fulfi lled as set down in the
plan of employment .
concerned, with antia.i.rcraft ar t.illery, and with the
Chiefs of Army Corps Air Service included in his si;ictor
of front, as prescribed for the commanding officer, first
pursuit wing (Maj. AtkinsoD).
LIATRO:'< WLTH THE PURSUIT GRO UPS OF NEIGHBORING
ARM!E8.
The commanding officer, first pursuit wing (Maj . Atkin­son),
will be in li aisor with the pursuit group of the VIII
STRENGTH HELD IN RESERVr. . French Army. The commanding offi cer of the first pur-
Maj. Atkinson will draw from his wing a certain number I suit group (Maj. Hartney) ,vill be in liaison with the
of squadrons and hold them in reserve. They ,vill be pursuit group of the II French Army, _so as to asr.ertain
used to vary the density of aviation on any given point to what extent and under what conrl1t1011s th~se p~1rs~1L
of the Army front according to the activity of hostile groups are worktng on the flanks of the pursuit aviation
aviation and the situ ation: and also to outmaneuve~ hos- of the first American Army.
tile aviation by operating alternately eastward or west­wan.
l.
LIAISONS.
To that effect, :Maj. Atkinson v.·ill keep in close touch
w~th:
1. First pursui t group at Rom.bercourt.
2. The Army Antiaircraft Sc~rvice.
3. The radio-goniometric service of the Army.
4. ·The Chiefs of Air Service of Army Corps.
5. The Chief o[ Air Service of the Army.
6. The Army ohservation group. .
B e will ask these units, especially the Chiefs of Air
Service of Army Corps, for all information concerning:
Activity of hostile aviation, locatjon of our lines, opera-
ORDERS ISSUED BY THE CHIEF OF AIR SERYICE .
The commanding officer, first pursuit group (Maj.
Ha.rtney), and the commanding officer, first pursuit wing
(Maj. Atkinson ), will operate in accor<lance with the
general plan ·without waiting for specific or det::liled
orders.
When necessary, special orders will be issued by the
Chief of Air Service iIJ the evening for the next clay or
during the day for immediate action.
When specially ordered, a gen eral reserve will be h eld
under the direct orders of the Chief of Air Service o[ the
Army.
I NF'ORMA'rION CONCER~ING 'l'HE ENEMY.
t ions going on throughout t he sector, work done by our During their fligh ts, pursuit pilots will gath er all im­observation
aviation, and what h elp can be given them. port.ant idormation about the enemy such as abnormal
Be will transmit all orders issued antl information activity in enemy lines, all kinds of large convoys, im­gathered
h _v his wi1,g to: The Chiefs of Air, crvice of the I p ort.ant enemy formations, or accumulations of material.
Army Corps, the commanding offi cer of the F rench Air Important information o[ this nature will he sen t to the
Division (or to the commanding officer of lhe brigades), Chief of Air Service of the Army for tran smission to G- 2.
the Chief of Air Service. \ ,vn,LIAM 1frTcH r. r,L,
The commandiJJg officer of the first pursuit group (J\'.faj . · Colonel, Air Service, United States Army,
Hartney) will maintain the same liaisons as far as he is Chief of Air Service, First Army.
APPENDIX NO. 4. THE PLAN OF RECONNAISSANCE AVIATION.
HEADQUARTERS, AIR SERVICE, FIRST ARMY,
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONA:3.Y FORCES.
FRANCE, September 7, 1918.
J. MEANS.
ARMY DAY RECONNAISSANCE.
'Normal means: Two Army reconnaissance squadroDB
under the command of Maj. Reynolds, at Gondreville.
Emergency meaDB: Special details from the French
Aerial Division.
NIGHT RECONNAISSANCE.
Normal means: Details from night bombardment groups
at Epiez. One American squadron at Amauty, under
the command of Maj. Vuillome at Epiez. (Branch intel­ligence
officer at Amanty .)
2. ZONE OF RECONNAISSANCE.
Closest limit : Etain, Maiseray, Vigneulles, Rember­court,
sur-Mad, Pagny," sur-Moselle, Vigny.
Farthest limit: Spincourt, Thionville, Boulay,
Western limit: Etain, Spincourt.
Eastern limit: Vigny, Courcelles, Boulay.
In principle, the reconnaissance beyond the line: Val­les
de la Seills, Metz, Conflans, Etain, will be made by
photography.
3. OBJECTS OF RECONNAISSANCES AND ITINERARIES.
,
Will be determined by G- 2, which will send to the
commanding officer of the reconnaissance groups all the
useful documen ts and the maps of the intineraries.
4, ORDERS OF MISSIONS AND SUMlliARIES.
The chiefs of the day and night reconnaissance grotrps
will receive th eir orders of mission direct from G-2, and
will send their summaries to that office.
5. EXECUTIO, OF THE MISSIONS.
F IRST PHASE ( PREPARATION) .
The photographic reconnaissance will be made at a high
altitude with camera 301 with magazine, and with a power-
18
~ul lensed camera, in order to obtain tbe details of the j 6. SPECUL DISPOsr.rroxs. .
nnportant pomts. , I The summaries of the information c,athered will be sent
The Yisual day reconnaissance should start before day- to the following at the same time as fhey are sent to G-2:
break, in order to fly over the enemy lines at the first light The French Air Divi sion.
of the day, an. d in order to Rob serve t.he end o.f the nigdh t I The com. mand er of the noia ht bombardment oc,roup.s
movements ot the enemy. econna1ssance will be ma e The commander of the Armv reconnaissance c,roup
at the_ end of the day in order to obsen-e the beginning of (Maj. Reynolds). • 0
the mght movements. . The acronautique of the neighhoring armies: At Lahey-
. In th_e middle_ of the day the sune1llance of the enemy court; at Flayigny.
hues ,nil be mamly done by balloons, especially by those The important and urgent messages will be dropped at
of the .\.rmy .\.Tt1llery. the .\.rmy dropping ground 2! kilometers southeast of
SECOXO PHASE (ARTILLERY PREPXRATIOX) . Ligny-en-Barrois, by the reconnaissance airplanes when
they retmn. These messages "ill be confirmed after-
Photographic reconnaissance _"ill 1.Je made in order to I wards in the usual summary.
notice the destruction caused m t~e zone of the. Army Reports of enemy movements, etc., requiring immediate
reconnaissance ( either by gun°:· by an~lane), 01' the impor- action 11ill be 1nade by the most direct means of communi­tant
i:novements or concentrations which could be taken cation directly to G-3, Army headquarters.
as obJect1ves by the bombardment aviation. WrLLu~r MI'.l.'CllELL
Visual night Teconnaissance will he ma~e, when neces- Colonel, Air Service, United States .A.1'my,
sary, at low altitude m oTder to determine exactly the Chief of Air Service Jilirst Army.
direction and the importance of the movements, the '
strength of the enemy troops, and to observe the moYe- IIEADQUARTERS, AIR SERYIOE, FIRST ARMY,
ments of retreat. Al1ERICAN EXPEDITIO-:\TARY FORCES.
Command rcco~naissance.-On_e flight will be kept in Circular.] FRANCE, September 8, 1918.
reserve at the. clispo al ~f G-3 . ill orde_r. to ?erfor~ com- 1 The Chief of Staff, Fil'st Army, has approved the follow ·
mand_ reconna1ssan_ces (u~ediate_ venfication of 1mp?r- ing method of command for all Air Service unit~ belonging
tant mformat1on, immediate seekmg out of any special 01: attached to the First Army.
information requested by G-3). l. All tactical missions for any branch of the Army Air
THIRD PrrAsE (A'rTACK-FIRST AND sccoNo DAYS). Service will be given to the Chief of Air Service, First
. . .·. . . . . . . I Army, for execution. 1'his includes: All American units
Frequent , isual rnconnaissanc?s at low: altitude will be or French units attached to the Army, the French night
made in order to keep constant mformat1on of the aspect bombardment win()' the French Air Di,ision.
of the enemy sector, mainly hetween the line les Eparge, 2. 'fhe repoTts ~f missions sent to the Chief of Air
Fey-on-Haye (Pont-a-1\fousson), and the hne Armaville, Service which contain matters of interest and infoTma­C'onflaus,
Etain, in order to determine lhe important de- tion to ~he seveml staff sections "ill be forwarded direct
trainments, concentration_s. convoys, bivouacs, the clirec- by him to the officer or officers concerned.
tion of mo\·omout and d1spo~itions of the cmemy. 3. G- 2 will give all orders for reconuaissanee direet to
FOURTH PH.lSE (FOLLOWTi\'G UI' TILE .\TT.\ CKS).
The mode of employment oI reconnaissance aviation
will be determined according to the situation after the
attack. I
the Arn1._y reconnais~ance units and will receive the
reports direct of the reconnaissance it orders.
WILLIA~! l\lITCHELL,
Colonel, Air Service, United States Army,
Commanding Air Service, First Army.
ANNEX NO. 4 (FIELD ORDERS NO. 20). PLAN OF EMPLOYMENT OF AIR SERVICE UNITS, FIRST
AMERICAN ARMY.
ITEADQUARTERS, AIR SERYICE, FIRST AR}IY, hindered. This will be insmed by placing an absolute
A:\IERICA~ EXPEDITIO.\"ARY FORCES. barrage over the front, from and including the :Meuse on
li'RANCE, September 17, 1918.
1. PLAN OF E)1PLOY~IEXT.
This ,\ill consist of four stag-cs, as follows:
A. PTeparation until day of attack.
B. During the Artillery preparation.
C. During the attack.
D. Exploitation.
A. PREPARATION UNTIL DAY OF ATTACK.
l . Surprise, being a factor in the success of the opera­tion,
the utmost secrecy will be observed in movements
aud concentration of Air Service Units..
2. IIo3tile reconnaissance aYiation will be prevented
from entering our lines and the work of hostile balloons
the east. to and including La Hazaroe on the west.
3. All information necesrnry in the preparation of the
attack, especially for the Artillery preparation, 11ill be
gathered . Particular care will be taken that the suspi­cions
of tho enemy are not aroused. These missions will
be accomplished by-
(a) Army reconnaissance aviation-photographic and
visual missions.
(b) Army Corps and A.rmy Artillery aviation- photo­gr:;,
phic and vi ual missions, ordered by the ATmy Corps
and Army Artillery commanders. '
(c) Night reconnaissance a,iation--visual reconnais­sance
carried out at night to obtain information of the
movements and concentrations of enemy forces .
4. Bombardment aviation, both day and night, will
continue tc, be employed in a normal manner.
19
The above missions will be carried· out so as to change
as little as posoible the usual aspect of the sector.
B. DURING THE ARTILLERY PREPARATION.
1. PURSUIT.
(a) The fir~t pmcinit wing (four groups), will insme an
absolute barrage of the front and protect our observation
aviation at every altitude from the Meuse inclusive on
the east to La Hazaroe inclusive on the west; pre·Yent
enemy aYiation from attacking through the "\Yoevre and
will attack concentration of enemy troops, convoys,
enemy aviation and balloons.
(c) Night reconn,iissauce: 1Vill carry out visnal recon­naissance
as pres<:ribed.
C. DURIXG TIIE AT'l'ACK.
The same general employment as prescriber] in B. The
offensiYe will be taken and maintained at all pointB and
under all conclitioPs.
D . EXPLOIT\'l'!O'i .
The offensive will be maiutained, based on tho progress
of the attack and the situation at the time, with the par~
ticular object in view of destroying the enemy's air service,
attacking his troops on the ground, and protecting our
own air and ground troops.
II. Four co=and a~rplanes will be held at the disposal
of G-5, commencing at daylight on the day of the beginning
of theartillervpreparation. Theseairplaueswill i:i.e located
Will attack concentrations of enemy troops, convoys, on the Souilly airdrome.
(b) Purauit aviation, French Aerial Division, will be so
di~posed as to protect our right flank and front in case of
an attack.
. 2 . DAY BOMBARO)IENT AYL\.TION.
and aviation; railroad stations, command posts, and I III. Appendices: Appendix No. 1 shows the distri-dumps.
bution of the ail- forces; appenrl.ix No. 2 shows the plan
3. NIGnT BO)IBARD'1ENT AVl.ATrox. of reconnaissance aviation : appendix No. 3 shows the
'Nill attack railroad stations and trains, troop concentra- plan of bombardment aviation.
tions, ammunition dumps, and enemy airdromes. The plans for the utilization of aeronautical uni.ts with
,. REco:i.x,ussA:::-CE AVUTION. I the Army Artillery and with the Army Corps conform to
the general scheme and are prepared in detail by those
_(a) Army reconu'.tissanc~: Will c~rry out long distance units.
rmss1ons, both photograplnc and vISual. B l r Gen PersJ1·
y commanc o T • 1·n,",.
(b) Army Corps and Army Artillery: 1Yill carry ont the ' N . A. DRUJI,
missions, both photographic and visual, prescribed by the ClriPf of Staff.
Army Corps and Army Artillery commanders, inclu :ling: Official:
The observation and results of artillery firt>; liaison with I
Infantry: informatim't of the enemy o( benefit to the higher
command. \
\'i' cLTLUI Jlf1TCHEI.L, ·
Colonel, .dir Sen:ict, Unitrd States A.rm!f.
Chief of A-ir Scrrii:r, First Anny.
APPENDIX NO. 1. OBSERVATION PLAN-UNDER BATTLE lNSTRUCTIONS-NO. 2.
L. The enC'my can, in ad,li tion to reading on the front.
atia<'k. do the following:
(u) On the r-ight bank of the )fouse he <'an engage re­sNves
whic·h he always h'.l.s in the area Dau1viller~-711an­giennes
ia or<ler to attack r:ither on the Ifauts do Meuse or
by ,[ebouching from the Fore~t of Spincourt.
(b) Ou the left hank of the Meuse attempt an attack as a
diversion or take away reserves from this part of the front
and transport them to the right bank.
(c) Bring up reserves on both sides of the river from
other _parts of the front.
2. In consideration of the above the following onserva­tions
will be ea1·ried out:
(a) On the r·ight bank there must be c·on~lant observa­tion
of the area north of Fore~t of Rpinrourt..
(b) In acl<lition, reconnaissanr-es ca.-rie<l ont OYt'l' 1font­mecly,
Lcmgu:,-on, Spin<·onrt, Audun-le-Roman woul,!
give notice of any arrival and unloading or reserves which
might be brought. from other part~ of the front.
(!') On the ldt. bank of the :\Ieuse there must be co1rntant
observation of the area Dun, Romagne, sours-.\Ioutfaucon,
Charpentry, \'ilosnes, in order to watch the possible moYe­ment
of troops or concentration.
(d) In addition, reconnaissances must he pushed along
the Mouzon-Dun and 1[ou7,0n-St. JuYin railroads in order
to determine i[ any unloading has taken plac-c.
(e) OhserYahon of the ,-ro~:;in~:; oyer the \feuse arc inJ.is­pensal,
le.
3. To ('!ll"ry out the foregoing plan the following inslrnc­tions
"·ill govC'rn:
(a, Obsen·ation sr1uadronH of the re3peC'th-e corps 11·ill
be responsiole before operations for a depth of 8 kilo­meters.
Boun,laries are indicated on map attached h ereto .
During operations corps units will not go beyond a depth
of 5 kilometers unless they are provided with pursuit pro­tect.
ion .
(b) Enemy front lines will be photographed by corps
machines at every opportunity. Prinis or such photos
will he sent to Army dropping ground hy airplane <lelivery.
(c) 0
,\ rmy ohservalio,1 unit~ w.ill oo-erve the area bounded
on attarhc<l map hy tl1e single grern linC', rarrying out the
mi~s.ion~ i11<lieale,l in paragraph No. ~ aboYe.
(cl) The necesR:Hy steps will he t:.ken to ser-urn the co­operation
of the obsen-at.ion ervice oI the Four1h and
Eigh1h French Armie~.
'i'.'rLLllY Ilo 11· ELL,
Lieutenant Colonel, G. S.,
Approved:
W~r. :\frl'Cl!ELL,
Colonel. _.J ir Seri ice.
C/,irf of Air Scr,,fre .
A. C. of S., {f-2 .
20
APPENDIX III. PLAN OF BOMBARDMENT AVIATION.
SEPTEMBER, 18, 1919.
Four phases are to be considered.
1. Preparation.-Covering the period from this date
until the time of artillery preparation.
2. During the artillery preparation.
3. During the attack.
4. Exploitation.
ObjectiYes. To be bombed by-
Railroad centers:
L PREPARATION.
Object: To hinder the arrival of en emy troops and
supplies in the sector to be attacked. Destruction of
enemy aviation on its airdromes and parks.
As absolute secrecy must be observed, there will be no
heavy concentration of bombing, consequently, with the
limited means available, the various targets indicated
herewith will be bombed in turn.
By1order of- Reports of results, etc., to be addressed
to-
Stenay . . .. . . . .. ... . . . . ... . . . C. G., First Army.
Longuyon ..... .. . . .. .. ..... · 1
Mo~tmedy . . ...... . ......... American day bombing group of }e . A. S., First Army ..... . .. . . . . ··· l e . S., First Army.
ea11guan . . . . .. . .... .... .. . . . 3 squadrons. G- 2.
Mouzon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G~l.
Vouziers ... . .. . .. .".. . . ..... . e. of A. bye. A. S. , First Army.
Lumes ............. . .. . . . .. .
Airdromes and parks: l e . G., First Army.
Malmy .... ... ..... . .... . . . . . }2 French night bombing groups · }e A 8 F·r t Am e . s., Flrst Army.
Mouzon. .. .... . . . . . . . ....... (at E picz and ehennisey). · · ·• 1 s r Y · • · · · · · · · · · · · · • G-2.
G-3.
e. of A. bye. A. S., First Army.
2. DURING THE ARTILLERY PREPARATION. I Such of the following targets will be selected as are found
. . \ to be the most important as shown by reconnaissances
Object: To harass the ene~y by attacking his troop made at the time.
concentrations, convoys, stations, command posts, and
dumps; to hinder his movement of t roops and to destroy
his aviation on the ground.
Objectives. '.l.'o bo bomhed by- By order of- Reports or results, etc., to be add ressed
to--
rrroop con centrat-ion s 1 and con­v
oys whrrnver found in a zone
approximately 10 to 30 kil o­meters
ba~k or the lines.
Dumps, railheads, camps, and
}
American day bombing group of } {e . G. · First Army.
3 sq uad rons. e . S. A. , First ,\.rmy...... . . . . .. . . G- 2. ·
. G- 3.
l3y e . A. S .. , First Army.
com111a1id oost~ :
1. Brieulles s/~feusr . . ................ . .............. . ..... .. ......... . . .... . ..... ... . . .. . .. . . .... .. .
2: Romagnes/Monifacon .. . ....... ... .•......• . ...... ........ .. . ........ . . . •. .. ...... . ... . .. ... .... .
~- Termes Grand Pre . . ... . ........... . .. . ....... ... ..... . . ... ... . ...............•. .. ....... .. .... ..
4. St. Jnvin . . ....... .. . ... ............ .... . .. ... . . . .. ... ........ . . . .. , . .... . . .. ..•. .. . .. . ...... ... ..
5. Briguenay ........... . ... .. . ... . . .. . . . ............... . ... . .. . . . . ... . . .. . ... . ... . .. .. ....... . .. .. . .
6. Hauricourt . ........... . . .. ..... . .. . ........... . .............. .. ...... . .................... . ..... .
7. Dun-Doulcom ..... . . ..... . ... . ..... . .. . . . . .. .. ..... .. .. . ... . . . . . ... . ... . . . .. .. . .... . . .... . . ..... .
8. Saulmoy . . . .. . ...... . ......... .. ... . . .. ........ . ... . ........................ . ............ . ...... .
Railroad centers:
Stenay · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Vouziers ....... .. ....... ·. .· .· ·. }2 F re nch rn · ght, bom b"m g gr ou p s · · e , A , S. , F'11 ·st Army - ··· . •... . .....
Alrdromes aI1d park:
Moumn ............ . .. . .. . ... .. . . .. .... .. . ..... . . . .... .. .. . ... .... ......... . .. . .. . .... . ......... . .. .
Malmy ...... . .. . ...... . .. .. . ...... . . . .... ... . ... . .. . . . ... . . . . .. . . .. . .. . ... . ...... .. . . ... . .. . .. .. ... .
3. DURING TIIE ATTACK.
Object: (a) To prevent the anival of reserves; (b) to
break up counter attacks; (c) to harass the enemy in the
withdrawal of his troops and material ; (d) to destroy his
aviation on the ground. 'rargets will be the same as those
dming the artillery preparation, selecting the ones found
to be the most important as shown by visual and photo­graphic
reconnaissances made at the time. Orders for
mis3ions "l'iill be transmitted by G-3 through the Com·
mancler Air Service and reports on Tesults made as in the
preceding phases.
4. EXPLOITATION.
As dictated by the progress of the attack and situation
at the time.
F. P. LAHM,
Colonel, Air Service.
0:ffi.cial:
WILLIAM MITCHELL,
Colonel, Air Service, United States Army,
Chief of Air Service, First Army.
21
BATTLE ORDERS NO. 17.
HEADQUARTERS AIR SERVICE, FIRST ARMY,
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.
FRANCE, October 7, 1918.
1. The offensive of the allied armies is being main­tained.
The front of the First Army has advanced in the
Argonne Forest. Our Air Service continues to dominate
the German aviation, notwithstanding the fact that it has
been largely reinforced . The line of battle on the front
of the First Army from the left of the Moselle River to the
right of the Seventeenth Corps is located as formerly·.
From Beaumont-Samogneux to Regneville. The line west
of the Meuse River extends from west bank of Meuse River
to point 1 kilometer southeast of Brieuiles-Southwest,
alon~ northern ed~e of Bois de Brieulles, Bois de Faye,
Bois des Ogans, southern edge Bois Cunel, one-h'.tlf kilo­meter
north of Gesnes, Ilill 269, Fleville, Chatel Cheh ery,
north of La Viergette-West to end of sector. ·
2. The First Army will seize the heights east of the
Meuse River, which are occupied by about three German
divisions. The Seventeenth French Corps will conduct
t he attack with four divisions east of the Meuse River and
one di-vision west of the Meuse River, which will cross the
river toward the ea.st. Hour is 5--h , October 8, 1918.
Seven and one-half observation squadrons and five bal­loons
have been placed at the disposition of the Seven­teenth
French Corps for the attack. Detachments of the
French Aerial Division will assist in the operation.
3. The Air Service wi,11 take the offensive at all points
over the fron t of the attack and will maintain a protective
barrage west of the Meuse River to the Argonne Forest.
The enemy's air service will be destroyed , his ground
troops will be attacked, and our own au: and ground troops
will be protected. ,
4. (a) The Army Corps sectors will (!oincide with the
front of their respective corps and will include an overlap
of 2 kilometers on their neighboring corps to right and left.
Particular attention will be paid by the Air Services of the
Fifth Corps and Second Colonial Corps to close liaison with
the Seventeenth Corps during the attack. 'l'he depth of
the reconnaissance sector for the Seventeenth Corps will
be 5 kilometers. In case of good weather special protec­tion
by the fast pursuit group will be given for photo­graphic
missions of the Fu·st and Fifth Corps to a depth of
10 kilometers. The ThiJ·d Corps will combine its photo­graphic
work with that of the Fifth Corps on October 8,
by mutual understanding between the chiefs of the corps
Air Services concerned.
(b) The Fu·st Army observation group (Reynolds) will
cover the same sector as in Battle Orders No. 7. Pa1tic­ular
attention will be p~id to the movement of enemy
reserves from west to eb.st along the front of the First
Army west to the Meuse River, and to any movements
toward the front of attack east of the Meuse River: Recon­naissances
will be made both by clay and by night. Four
command airplanes will take post at the airdrome Souilly
and report to the C. A. S., First Army, in time to work
at 7--00H, October 8, 1918.
(c) The Second French Army observation group will
cover the sector specified in 4 (b) Battle Orders No. 7.
Particular attention will be paid to the movement of
enemy reserves from east to west.
(d) The Army Artillery group (Tastevin) will execute
the observation ordered by the Artillery to which it is
attached. Important information involving immediate
action will be sent diJ·ect to the Commander Air Service,
First Army.
(e) The First pursuit wing (Atkinson) will cover the
front of attack of the Seventeenth French Army Corps
with heavy barrages at low, medium, and high altitudes
to a depth of 5 kilometers into the enemy's territory.
The air will be cleared of enemy aircraft and balloons,
and our own observation airplanes and balloons will be
protected. This barrage will be in place over the line at
daylight October 8.
One pursuit group will be held in reserve ready to
attack a concentration of the enemy air service, his ground
troops, convoys, or trains, with bombs and machine guns.
The group will be ready to leave the ground within 15
minutes after the receipt of the order.
The day bombardment group will attack Damv1llers at
daylight October 8. Orders for subsequent attacks will
be given on the. morning of October 8.
Close liaison will be maintained by the first pursuit
wing (Atkinson) with the Corps Air Services to keep track
of the exact position of the line, the Army observation
group, the antiaircraft Artillery, and the fast pursuit
group (Hartpey).
Prompt report of enemy dispositions will be sent to the
Commander Air Service, First Army.
(j) The first pursuit group (Hartney) will cover the front
of the First Army between the Meuse River at BrienlleB,
ex:clusi ve------Romagne,· Cha tel Chehery, inclusive. Enemy
aircraft attacking this line will be destroyed and the Corps
Air Services protected. Special protection will be given
for deep photographic missions. Close liaison will be
maintained with the Corps Air Ser vi ces, the :first p ursuit
wing (Atkinson), and the antiaircraft Artillery. Prompt
report of enemy dispositions will be sent to the C. A. S.,
First Army.
(g) The ni~ht bombardment group (Villome) will uttack
Longuyon, Auduu le Roman, Conftans. All railroad lines
running from Thionville and Metz west to the Meuse
River will be reconnoitered. Particular attention will be
paid to the reconnaissance of night bombing airdromes, to
determine whether they are occupied or not. Prompt
reports will be sent to the C. A. S., First Army.
(h) The commander of Army balloons will assure the
proper technical control of the balloon companies that
their work is so coordinated, that they are ready at all
times to move forward with the troops, and that sufficient
reserves of balloons, gas, and accessories are at hand.
5. The Army dropping ground is at a point 3 kilometerE
west-northwest of Souilly. The Army landing fie ld is at
the Souilly airdrome.
6. Reports will reach the Chief of Ai1: Service at P. C.
Air Service, First Army, Souilly.
A liaison officer from each Corps Air Service west of the
Meuse, from the aernnautical commander, Second French
Army, and from each wing or independent group of the
Air Service, will report at the P. C. Chief of .Air Service,
First Army, at 21--00H each day to receive orders.
22
A liaison officer from the night bombardment group
(Villome) will report ai P . C. Chief of Air Service, First
Army, at 16--00H each clay to receive orders.
7. The equipment section will reconnoiter the front for
advanced airclromes, be ready to equip them, and will
insw·e the supply and movement of any units required.
1r.\r. MITCHELL.
Copies by an officer to-
Chief of Air Service, American Expeditionary
Forces.
Chief of Air Service, First Army.
Chief of Staff, First Army.
G-2, First Army.
G-3, First Army.
Chief of Artillery, First Army.
Chief of Air Service, Second French .Army.
Chief of Air Service, Eighth French Army.
Chief of Air Service, Fomth French Army.
Independent Air Force, R. A. F.
Commanding offic€f, French Aerial Division.
Commanding officer, corps observation wing, First
Army.
Chief of Air Service, Second French Colonial Corps.
Commanding officer, first pursuit wing.
Commanding officer, first pursuit group.
Commanding officer, Army obserrntion group, First
Army.
Co=ancling officer, French night bombardment
group.
Commanding officer, Army artillery obserYation
group.
Chief of Air Service, Sernnteenth French Ar1;lly
Corps.
Chief of Air Service, Second French Colonial Corps.
Chief'of Air Service, First Army Corps. '
Chief of Air Service, 'rhird s\.rmy Corps.
Chief of Air Service, Fomth Army Corps.
Chief of .lir Service, Fifth Army Corps.
,
23
A1H SEHY/C£ L/A/.SON - .PART/.// ANNEX./
/f'AD/0 LIA/SON ARMY /llR c5'ERY/CE
/
24
A/Ii' SE RV/CE L JA/.SoN - /?,,Hr £ZT ANNEX ./.
TELEPHONE L1Alc50N AIR c5ERY/C£ .4RNY
Corps Ob..servation Grovp
Pur..su1f Group
Corps Obseryor/on Group
0