The Lafayette Escadrille: The American Volunteers Who Flew For France in World War One

Filmed in the skies above France and the United States, The Lafayette Escadrille tells the story of the American volunteers who flew and fought for France in World War 1, becoming the founding squadron of American combat aviation.

Episode 2

53m 54s

The Escadrille is sent as escorts on an ambitious bombing scoring victories over German aircraft in the mission’s dogfights, but tragically losing one of the founders of the squadron in a crash as he lands in the dark. The disillusioned squadron is still trying to become an effective fighting force as they move from base to base up and down the Western Front.

Episodes

  • Episode 2: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 2

    S1 E102 - 53m 54s

    The Escadrille is sent as escorts on an ambitious bombing scoring victories over German aircraft in the mission’s dogfights, but tragically losing one of the founders of the squadron in a crash as he lands in the dark. The disillusioned squadron is still trying to become an effective fighting force as they move from base to base up and down the Western Front.

  • Episode 1: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Episode 1

    S1 E101 - 56m 37s

    Discover Americans’ engagement with France during the “Belle Epoque” and the activities of several future members of the Lafayette Escadrille in Paris in the summer of 1914. Follow the squadron on its first flights through the early development of aeroplanes and techniques of aerial combat, both of which were still in a fairly embryonic stage.

Schedule

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.