Goussancourt Airdrome

Goussancourt Aerodrome
Part of American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)
Located near: Goussancourt, France

Front line trenches near Goussancourt, France. Taken by the 88th Aero Squadron flying about 200m, September, 1918
Goussancourt Aerodrome
Coordinates 49°09′57″N 003°40′10″E / 49.16583°N 3.66944°E / 49.16583; 3.66944
Approximate Location
Type Combat Airfield
Site information
Controlled by   Air Service, United States Army
Condition Agricultural area
Site history
Built 1918
In use 1918–1919
Battles/wars
World War I
Garrison information
Garrison III Corps Observation Group
United States First Army Air Service

Goussancourt Aerodrome, was a temporary World War I airfield in France. It was located near the commune of Goussancourt, in the Aisne department in Picardy in northern France.

Overview

The airfield was built during the summer of 1918. It was a forward operating base for the 88th Aero Squadron, used for battlefield observation/aireal reconnaissance flights over the Vesle Sector just before the St. Mihiel Offensive. At Goussancourt, which was located about 10 km from the front line trenches, the enemy had superiority of the air. There were very few American pursuit planes operating and the airfield was attacked on several occasions by German aircraft during the day and bombers were heard at night attacking the trench lines. When the offensive began, the squadron moved to the Ferme des Greves Aerodrome and Goussancourt was abandoned.

The airfield likely consisted of a few tents to support squadron personnel and perhaps a canvas aircraft hangar, erected on agricultural fields. Today, its location is undetermined, and is likely used for agriculture. No evidence of its existence remains.

Known units assigned

See also

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.

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

    External links

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