American Squadrons & Training Facilities

[Rich Field Flyer]

I am researching two local (Waco, Texas) World War I training camps and some of the aero units and airmen who trained there. Camp MacArthur was a very large primarily infantry training camp opened in July 1917. The 32nd, or Red Arrow, Division trained at Camp MacArthur before going to France. There were apparently some aero squadrons that also trained there.

Rich Field was a smaller flight training facility that began operations in August of 1917. Over the course of the war 339 cadets trained there. They published a weekly newspaper, The Rich Field Flyer.

I am interested in getting help locating information, including published sources as well as citations to NARA or other public records, concerning:

(1) 331st Aero Squadron
(2) 374th Aero Squadron
(3) Camp MacArthur
(4) Rich Field

Any suggestions would be gretaly appreciated. Thanks.

[ONEALM]

Rich Field -

Not much here of use for primary sources, but I am sure another forumite will come through there. What I do have is:

Rich Field, Waco, Tex., named in honor of 2/Lt. Perry C. Rich, Philadelphia Scouts, reported for aeronautical duty at Fort William McKinley, P.I. March 1913 and was killed by a fall into Manila Bay Nov. 19, 1913.
(New York Times, 21 July 1918)

Rich Field, Waco, Tx. Started instruction on 15 December 1917. Graduated 406 students. Primary function - Aerial Observer Training.
(American Aviators in the Great War 1914-1918, Col. C. R. Glasebrook)

Unlike Scott and Ellington Fields which produced "year books", I do not know of such a document from Rich Field. If anyone uncovers one of these from any of the other US training fields, I'd love to hear about them.

FWIW - at last count, 15 New Jersey natives passed through Rich Field either in training or on staff.

Hope this helps,
Mike

[Rich Field Flyer]

Thanks for the reply, Mike. As for New Jersey men who trained here, you might be interested in this. According to a newspaper article on file with a local library, a group of World War I veterans came to Waco for the final reunion of their unit -- the 374th Aero Squadron. This was in the early 1970's. The reason they came to Waco was that they trained here, but at Camp MacArthur, rather than Rich Field. They were here from January 24, 1918 to February 23rd, 1918, when they left for France. There is a web site listing all men who seved in the 374th -- ftp://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/...-aero/1918.txt

There were 10 vets in the group that came to Waco, including 3 from New Jersey -- Conrad Friday, Barney O'Donnell, and Robert Vail. You will find on the web site all three of these men, with their ranks and addresses, as well as 3 other New Jersey men.

You mentioned a "year book." I am not sure exactly what you mean, but The Rich Field Flyer did, in its final edition, publish names of all men who trained or staffed there. There are photos as well. It is a wealth of information. You can find 3 copies of this edition of the Flyer on sale by various dealers listed on ABE -- http://www.abebooks.com/

Thanks for your information, and good luck on your project.

[ONEALM]

Rich Field -

My pleasure to supply what little I had - sounds like you are ahead of me by a long margin though.

Thanks for the lead for "Rich Field Flier" no sooner said than bought. I'm sure it eill add to the project. The Scott Field Yearbook and Ellington 1918 have rosters, photos and breakdowns of the training, facilities and methods at those two airfields. SOunds like the Rich Field edition will be similarly useful.

If you run into any NJ natives who served there - as aircrew - and need more information, it's likely I can assist. Feel free to drop me a note.

Keep at it,
Mike

[cameldriver]

Unlike Scott and Ellington Fields which produced "year books", I do not know of such a document from Rich Field. If anyone uncovers one of these from any of the other US training fields, I'd love to hear about them.


Mike
I'm sure you know of the Kelly Field book. I also have copies of similar books put out by Barron Field and Camp Wise (balloons).
Bob

[ONEALM]

Bob -

Forgot about Kelly even though I have a copy of it. I was not aware of the Barron and Camp Wise volumes. DO you have any particulars on these so I can start fishing for copies ?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

[cameldriver]

Originally Posted by ONEALM

Bob -

Forgot about Kelly even though I have a copy of it. I was not aware of the Barron and Camp Wise volumes. DO you have any particulars on these so I can start fishing for copies ?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

Mike
The "Barron Field Review" is a soft-covered book published in 1919 and printed by the Reimers Company, Fort Worth Texas. 142 pages with rosters, photos, history of the field. Similar to those put out by other fields. No publisher or author noted.
The Balloon Pilot Souvenir is another soft covered book from Camp Wise, San Antonio, Texas. Published in 1919, contains about 80 pages with similar contents to above, but contains adverts which Barron does not.
I've seen the Wise for sale a couple of times, but don't recall seeing the Barron anyplace else. I may have some other similar books in the library. If I come up with any others, I'll let you know. Ditto if I see the Barron or Wise for sale anyplace. Have a great Thanksgiving!