Saizerais Aerodrome facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saizerais Aerodrome |
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| Part of American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) | |
| Located near: Saizerais, France | |
VI Corps Observation Group officers with a De Havilland DH-4, Saizerais Airfield, France, November 1918
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 Saizerais Aerodrome
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| Coordinates | 48°47′46″N 006°01′25″E / 48.79611°N 6.02361°E |
| 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 | VI Corps Observation Group United States First Army Air Service |
Saizerais Aerodrome was a temporary airfield in France used during World War I. It was located about half a mile (0.8 km) southwest of the town of Saizerais, in the Meurthe-et-Moselle area of northeastern France. Airfields like this were vital for planes during the war.
What Was Saizerais Aerodrome?
This airfield was first built in the spring of 1916. It was made by the French Air Service for their own planes. It was used constantly until early April 1918.
American Forces Arrive
In October 1918, the 484th Aero Squadron (a construction unit) arrived. Their job was likely to get the airfield ready again, as it hadn't been used for a while. Soon after, the VI Corps Observation Group from the United States Second Army Air Service also arrived. This group included two squadrons and their main headquarters.
The Second Army was formed in October to plan attacks in the Metz area. However, the war ended before they could carry out many missions. This meant the planes at Saizerais Aerodrome probably didn't fly much in combat.
After the War
After the war ended with the armistice, the headquarters of the VI Corps Observation Group stayed at Saizerais. They remained there until April 15, 1919, when the group was officially ended.
One of its squadrons, the 354th Aero Squadron, moved to the Rhineland. The other squadron, the 8th Aero Squadron, had already left in November 1918.
The airfield was then returned to its original use. Today, it is a series of farm fields. You can find it about half a mile southwest of Saizerais, near the northern edge of the Saizerais forest.
