1st Squadron (Belgium)
| 1st Squadron | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 16 April 1913 |
| Country |
 Belgium
|
| Branch | Air Component |
| Part of | 2nd Tactical Wing |
| Motto(s) | Nemo me impune lacessit (No one provokes me with impunity) (Latin) |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | Lieutenant-Colonel V. Maniet |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | F-16 Fighting Falcon |
The 1st Squadron (French: 1re escadrille) is a fighter squadron in the Air Component of the Belgian Armed Forces. It is part of the 2nd Tactical Wing and operates F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The 1re Escadrille de Chasse was the first fighter squadron of the Belgian Air Component. The squadron was founded during World War I, reorganized into a dedicated fighter unit, and became part of a fighter wing before war's end.
The 1re Escadrille de Chasse was founded in February 1916 as the first dedicated squadron of the Aviation Militaire Belge. It drew upon the men and equipment of the previously existing provisional Escadrille I. In August 1917, upon receiving the new Hanriot-Dupont 1 aircraft, the first version of the famous “Thistle” symbol was designed by André de Meulemeester as the squadron's insignia, to be painted on the aircraft. He also selected the squadron motto “Nemo me impune lacessit” or “No-one can challenge me unpunished”. In March 1918, it would be reorganized into the 9ème Escadrille.
1 Coxyde: February 1916 - June 1916
2 Les Moeres: June 1916 - March 1918
2 Fernand Jacquet
2 Nieuport Scouts
...
Wikipedia