Serbian Squadrons

[spad]

Can any reader confirm the number of Serbian air unit that saw action in the war. I have been told that there were two, possibly numbered AR521 and AR522, and that they scored about a dozen victories between them.

Well, as far as I know there was a Serbian squadron in Greece.

When Serbian army arrived in Greece, pilots and observers of Serbian Aviatics (Srpska Avijatika)joined with French and formed mixed squadrons.

Eventually, sqadron consisting of Serbian only pilots was formed later. They flew Nieuports and later Spads. There was even a single Sopwith Pup in service.

The squadron's role was primarily two-seater, observation type and fighters were used as a support. However, fighter pilots used to go on hunting missions and were involved in offensive patrols and yes, they've shot down a number of enemy planes.

Some of these pilots eventually flew within French escadrilles on the Western front.

I'll post some more detailed info as soon as possible. When I get hold of the books, of course.

The observers flew in French "pusher" two-seaters, and again there was one british - R.E.8.

[Rick]

Although not a definitive answer to your question, the following Serbian Escadrilles were known to exist: 386, 391, 501, 503, 505, 506, 508, 509 and 524. There was an article (or possibly a series of articles) on the Serbian Air Force back in C&C (USA) a L-O-N-G time ago, which I do not have at my finger tips. How do I know these particular escadrilles existed? Because Jasta 25 claimed aircraft from these units during the course of its existance. R.