Amanty Airdrome


Amanty Airdrome was a temporary World War I airfield in France, used briefly by French units, thereafter by squadrons of the Air Service, United States Army. It was located northwest of Amanty, and approximately south west of Toul, in the Meuse department in the Lorraine region in northeastern France.

History

The airfield was set up early 1917, with French escadrille C 4 arriving on 6 March, and staying until 2 April. The field then fell asleep until escadrille C 43 showed up on 19 Oct, teamed with the 1st Aero Squadron. Later on 14 December, they were joined by the ground personnel of 91st Aero Squadron.
The I Corps Observation Group School was organized early January 1918 on the field, the ground troops of 91st Squadron certainly used for construction works; the airfield was officially transferred to the Air Service, United States Army on February. As with most temporary airfields during World War I, it was set up quickly on existing farmer's fields which was used as an all-way airfield for aircraft takeoffs and landings. Canvas and metal tubing type hangars were erected for aircraft maintenance, and wooden buildings were set up for barracks, operations, maintenance and other station needs. 477th Aero Squadron stayed 12 Jun - 1 August 1918 to improve the camouflage of the installations.
The I Corps Observation Group School trained pilots and observers for aerial observation and photography. 1st Aero Squadron left on 4 April, and 91st Aero Squadron on 24 May. Thereafter, Aero Squadrons trained at the airfield were:
After completion of training, the squadrons then were assigned to one of the American Army Corps Observation Groups, mainly for battlefield reconnaissance and observation duties.
A few Squadrons flew operational missions from the field:
Beginning in September 1918, the 1st Day Bombardment Group moved to Amanty and began combat operations during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
With the advance of Allied forces, the group moved up to Maulan Aerodrome to be closer to the line, and Amanty was no longer occupied flying units. After the Armistice with Germany on 11 November 1918, the First Army Air Service remained in place until it was ordered demobilized in April 1919. Afterwards Amanty Airdrome was dismantled, and the airfield was returned to the local farmers for agricultural use. Today little or no traces of it remain.