AIRCRAFT COLOURS AND MARKINGS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR ERA

France: Escadrille 79

 


Formed in November 1916 as N.79. Initially equipped with the Sopwith 1 1/2 Strutter and Nieuport 17. They later used the SPAD VII, XI and XIII.

The unit marking of Esc.79 was a wolf's head. . Originally this was just a rough outline, later it became quite detailed as seen here.

They had 14 confirmed victories, and at least 16 probables. In return they suffered one KIA, five WIA (one later DoW), one killed and three injured in accidents.

There is a two part history of the unit in OTF 18/1 and 18/2


 


Sopwith 1B1 No.145
Lt Mezergues
June 1917
Source: OTF 18/1


Morane-Saulnier P MS.792

Summer 1917
Source: OTF 18/1-2

 

 


SPAD S.XI


Source: FMP Photo

SPAD S.XIII
Capt. Robert Franc
Winter 17/18
Source: OTF 18/2

SPAD XIII S.15466
Cpl David Lewis
September 1918
Source: Windsock 5/1