Escadrille R46

''Escadrille 46'' (variously known as ''Escadrille R46'' and ''Escadrille Let46'') was a highly decorated French World War bombing squadron. Although serving ordinarily as a reconnaissance and bombardment role, they also flew as gunships to escort bombing missions. The squadron was credited with destroying 37 German aircraft.

History

''Escadrille 46'' ("small squadron 46") was founded in March 1915 with twin-engine three-seated Caudrons, hence ''Escadrille C46''. Originally attached to ''VI Armee'', the squadron was posted to the ''II Armee'' in September 1915.''Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', p. 92

The squadron flew their Caudron G.IV bombers during the Battle of Verdun, which kicked off on 21 February 1916. In June it refitted with Caudron R.IVs; their unit designation changed to ''Escadrille R.46''. Then, beginning 1 July, while attached to ''VI Armee'', it fought in the Battle of the Somme as it eventuated.

On 15 January 1917, the unit won its first citation while still with ''VI Armee''. Despite flying bombers, they had shot down 15 German aircraft. Two months later, they would trade their Caudrons for Letord Let.1 Type 1s. Their unit designation was altered to ''Escadrille Let 46''.

When the Battle of the Aisne began in April 1917, ''Escadrille Let 46'' was attached to Felix Brocard's Groupe de Combat 12 for the fight. When their commanding officer, Didier Lecour Grandmaison, his replacement, Marcel Bloch led it as it re-equipped again, this time with Caudron R.XI three seated bombers. The unit designation reverted to ''Escadrille C46'' on 17 February 1918. The squadron operated as part of ''Groupe de Combat 15'' in the Champagne region until 14 May 1918.

Then, for the last months of the war, the squadron was bundled along with other squadrons into ever-larger makeshift aviation units. On 12 September 1918, while fighting in the ''1er Armee'' sector, it was awarded its second citation for valor, earning the ''escadrille'' the right to the '' Fourragere'' of the ''Croix de Guerre''. Ten days later, it was posted to support of the American 1st Army at Battle of Saint-Mihiel. On 23 September 1918, the ''escadrille'' was assigned to fly as gunships to protect bombing missions, as the Caudron R.XIs mounted five machine guns apiece.The Aerodrome websit

Retrieved 10 August 2020. On 28 September, it was granted a third citation.

''Escadrille 46'' ended World War I credited with 37 enemy aircraft destroyed. They would receive a fourth citation postwar, on 4 February 1919. This citation entitled the unit to display the ''Fourragere'' of the ''Médaille Militaire''.

Commanding officers

* '' Capitaine'' Legardeur: March 1915
* Lieutenant Didier Lecour Grandmaison: February 1916 - killed in action 10 May 1917
* ''Capitaine'' Marcel Bloch
* Lieutenant Resel: October 1918

Notable members

* Lieutenant Didier Lecour Grandmaison
* Lieutenant Jean Loste
* Adjutant-chef Marie Vitalis

Aircraft

* Twin engine three place Caudrons: March 1915
* Caudron G.IIIs
* Caudron G.IVs
* Caudron R.IVs: First flown in June 1916
* Letord Let.1: Supplied in March 1917
* Caudron R.XIs

End notes

References

* ''Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'' Norman L. R. Franks, Frank W. Bailey. Grub Street, 1992. , .

{{wwi-air

French Air and Space Force squadrons