The Descriptive Finding Guide for the 103rd Aero Squadron Logbook Collection (Lafayette Escadrille) SDASM.SC.10236

San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives

2020

2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

San Diego 92101

URL: http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/

Language of Material: English

Contributing Institution: San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives

Title: 103rd Aero Squadron Logbook Collection (Lafayette Escadrille)

Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10236

Physical Description: .5 Cubic Feet This collection contains two original logbooks. Both measures approximately 8.5 x 11 inches and are stored in archivally safe enclosures. They have both been digitized and are stored on the DAMS. The daily activity logbook was transcribed by Steve Ruffin in 2020. The logbooks and the transcription can be viewed on Archive.org

Date (bulk): bulk

Abstract: Two of the most prized possessions in the Museum's collection are a pair of logbooks recording events related to the 103rd Aero Squadron from the First World War. These two logbooks give insight into the thrilling combat stories of the squadron, as well as the more mundane day to day activities of its members.

Physical Description: This collection contains two original logbooks. Both measures approximately 8.5 x 11 inches and are stored in archivally safe enclosures. They have both been digitized and are stored on the DAMS.

Biographical / Historical

Two of the most prized possessions in the Museum's collection are a pair of logbooks recording events related to the 103rd Aero Squadron from the First World War. The 103rd squadron was the first American combat squadron to see action in the War and was initially comprised of 17 pilots from the famed Lafayette Escadrille, the French squadron made up of mostly American volunteers. One of the logbooks contains a record of the flight operations of the squadron, including hours flown and a narrative about each day's activities. Some of these reports, listed as the "Nature of Patrol" are quite interesting and detailed.

The other logbook records more the Squadron's more mundane activities not related to flight, such as the names of new squadron members, or where the 103rd was stationed. This book spans the period when the squadron was formed till when it returned to the United States after the War.

The logbooks were professionally repaired and digitized in 2006. There is some speculation that the logbooks were discovered in a trashcan in Coronado by a collector. The activity logbook was transcribed in 2020 by Steve Ruffin. The logbooks and the transcription can be viewed on Archive.org

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research, although some restrictions may apply due to the fragile condition of the logbooks.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The logbooks were purchased by the Museum.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Spad Aircraft

SPAD XIII

103rd Aero Squadron

Lafayette Escadrille

World War, 1914-1918

Baer, Paul Frank

SERIES I: Logbooks/Diaries

Box 1 of 2 SERIES I: Logbook/Diary (February 1918-March 1919)

Physical Description: This logbook records the 103rd Aero Squadron’s more mundane activities not related to flight, such as the names of new squadron members, or where the 103rd was stationed. This book spans the period when the squadron was formed till when it returned to the United States after the War. Approx. 170 pages of entries.

Box 2 of 2 SERIES I: Logbook/Diary (February 1918-December 1918)

Physical Description: This logbook contains a record of the flight operations of the squadron, including hours flown and a narrative about each day's activities. Some of these reports, listed as the "Nature of Patrol" are quite interesting and detailed. Approx. 250 pages of entries.