Original Items: Only One Set Available. At the start of the First World War, France led the world in aircraft design and by mid-1912 the Aéronautique Militaire had five squadrons ("escadrilles"). This had grown to 132 machines and 21 escadrilles by 1914, the same year when, on 21 February, it formally received a budget under the Ministry of War. On 3 August, Germany declared war against France.

Now this is an absolutely stunning uniform set for a named officer, Lieutenant Colonel Videau. This was the standard issue for a WWI French Pilot. Horizon blue French Air Service service coat, single breasted with all 9 flaming bomb buttons down front. The collar tabs feature beautiful gold bullion on black felt “winged star” insignia with the color retained very well. The right side of the uniform features a lovely “B” hallmarked Pilot’s Wings Badge with the colors retained very well. The badge was issued in the final years of the war, while the “B” hallmarked badges were used up into 1925. The badge is serialized with the number 1218 indicating that it dates between 1914 to 1915. These badges in their own standpoint are very rare. The Sam Browne belt featured on the tunic is in wonderful condition and rests on the integrated belt hooks on the tunic quite nicely. It even has a small pistol holster attached, possibly for a Ruby. The interior of the tunic is in good service-worn shape, showing some rips in the lining which is to be expected. There is a name tag on the interior pocket reading Videau. The uniform itself is tailored, made by H. Richard Tailleur Militaire of Paris.

The uniform bears three ribbons above the left breast pocket including the Legion of Honor, Croix de Guerre, and the Colonial Medal. Below these is an outstanding French squadron pin depicting a Stork, with the text below reading SPA 103 RARAY, denoting Escadrille 103. Escadrille 103 of the French Air Force was an elite aviation unit on the Western Front during World War I. One of its many aces, René Fonck was the highest scoring Allied fighter-pilot.

The cuffs bear three gold and two silver chevrons, denoting the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The right shoulder bears two chevrons denoting that the officer was wounded two times!

The included overseas cap is of the French Horizon Blue color, with two gold braids stitched to the front of the cap for the officer’s rank, Lieutenant. There is also a “2” device attached to the front, and a sterling silver winged propellor badge to the left side. There is also yellow piping. The interior is stamped for size 58. This overseas cap likely does not go with the uniform, but it looks outstanding for display.

The included breeches are a red set with a black stripe down the sides. There are no markings we can find. There is some heavy scattered mothing across the breeches. 

This is a truly incredible set that does not come up for sale often. Comes ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements
Collar to shoulder: 10"
Shoulder to sleeve: 23.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 15.5"
Chest width: 18”
Waist: 17"
Hip: 21.5"
Front length: 32"

Pants:
Waist: 16.5"
Inseam: 26"

Escadrille 103 was formed from Breguet Escadrille 17, which was founded on 2 August 1914 at Longvic. On 16 November 1914, it re-equipped with Voisins, becoming Escadrille VB.3. On 23 November 1914, it was posted to Groupe de Bombardment No. 1, commanded by Commandant Louis de Goys de Mezeyrac. On 4 March 1915, it was redesignated Escadrille VB.103. As part of GB.1, the escadrille was cited for its valor on 27 May 1915. General Ferdinand Foch issued the citation on 1 June. Foch would issue a second citation on 19 September 1915, based on the bombing raids of the 13th on Ludwigshafen.

On 19 February 1916, the escadrille was converted to an escadrille de chasse (fighter squadron). It was issued Nieuports and renumbered as Escadrille N.103. On 16 April 1916, the unit was amalgamated into Groupement de Combat de la Somme, along with Escadrilles N.26, N.73, and N.3. Escadrilles N.37, N.62, and N.65 were also temporarily assigned to the groupement. All seven units were placed under command of Brocard. On 1 November 1916, the original four squadrons, including Escadrille N.103, were consolidated as Groupe de Combat 12 (GC 12), under the continuing command of Brocard. The SPADs in GC 12 bore insignia of storks in different phases of flight and were known as "Les Cignones."

On 28 January 1917, the unit was posted to the Xe Armée. It transferred to the VIIe Armée in March. On 12 July, it moved to support Ier Armée in Flanders. GC 12, including Escadrille 103, was transferred to VIe Armée again on 11 December 1917.

Escadrille 103 continued its service within GC 12, as the group made transitions to support Xe Armée on 5 June 1918; Ve Armée on 17 July; to Ier Armée on 29 July; and to IIe Armée on 9 September 1918. It received its third citation on the 9th, though the first as fighter unit Escadrille Spa.103. It was credited with destroying 85 enemy aircraft and disabling 69 others. Its final tally for the entire war was 108 enemy aircraft and three observation balloons destroyed. The heritage of the escadrille continues in the present day French air force; it is represented by the top bird on the Escadrille de Chasse 1/2 squadron emblem.