American Angels: Forming the Lafayette Escadrille, RAF Eagles, and Flying Tigers
Abstract
While the U.S. initially abstained from battle in the Twentieth Century's two greatest conflicts, the Lafayette Escadrille, Royal Air Force (RAF) Eagle Squadrons, and Flying Tigers served as all-American volunteer fighter units in foreign air forces. During World War I the Escadrille flew with the French and in World War II the Eagles signed on with the British while the Tigers fought alongside the Chinese. Their similarities, however, were only superficial, demonstrated particularly during their formation periods. Foreign need, bureaucratic resistance, and unit support highlighted the groups' efforts to gain foreign or American approval. The recruiting process differed in support, method, and volunteers' motivations and qualifications. Publicity informed men of the Escadrille, and volunteers crossed the Atlantic predominately motivated by romantic idealism. Word of mouth carried the RAF recruiting drive and pilots desiring to fly Spitfire and Hurricane fighters flocked to the call. Hired Government recruiters enlisted the Tigers, and the trip to China was an opportunistic adventure to fulfill a military career, fly fighters, earn money, or see an "enchanted land." While the Escadrille and Eagles were selective and completely incorporated into foreign air forces, the Tigers enlisted whoever would join and were civilian soldiers of fortune. Finally, the background of the men and the level of support affected the training process. The Escadrille flyers were predominantly college educated, upper-class individuals who entered a complete aviation training program in France. The Eagles were experienced pilots, mostly from blue-collar backgrounds, and underwent an intermediate "refresher" training program before entering advanced fighter training. The Flying Tigers were all former military aviators and directly entered advanced training, although many have never flown a fighter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA384931
Entities
People
- Benjamin S. Robins
Organizations
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln