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 03°40′10″E / 49.16583°N 3.66944°ECoordinates: 49°09′57″N 03°40′10″E / 49.16583°N 3.66944°E 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
- 88th Aero Squadron (Observation) 4–9 September 1918
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.