Amanty Airdrome

Amanty Airdrome
Part of American Expeditionary Forces (AEF)
Located near: Amanty, France
Photo of Amanty Airdrome in 1918, looking from the southwest. Many Salmson 2A2 observation planes are parked on the grassy airfield. Note the D 168 road crossing the field. Most of the station buildings are in the forest to the north (left side of the photograph).
Amanty Airdrome
Coordinates	48°31′36″N 005°35′53″E / 48.52667°N 5.59806°E / 48.52667; 5.59806Coordinates: 48°31′36″N 005°35′53″E / 48.52667°N 5.59806°E / 48.52667; 5.59806
Type	Training 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	1st Observation Group School 1st Day Bombardment Group United States First Army Air Service

Amanty Airdrome was a temporary World War I airfield in France. It was located 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Amanty, in the Meuse department in the Lorraine region in northeastern France (48.527383,5.598371).

The airfield was used by the Air Service, United States Army between 1917 and 1919. As with most temporary airfields during World War I, it was set up quickly on existing farmer's fields which was used as an all-way airfield for aircraft takeoffs and landings. Canvas and metal tubing type hangars were erected for aircraft maintenance, and wooden buildings were set up for barracks, operations, maintenance and other station needs.

Amanty Airdrome was primarily used as a training airfield for new units formed by the First Army Air Service. It was the home of the 1st Observation Group School for aerial observers and aerial photography. Aero Squadrons trained at the airfield were:

After completion of training, the squadrons then were assigned to the 1st Army Observation Group for long-range strategic reconnaissance operations over enemy territory; or assigned to one of the First Army Corps for tactical, battlefield reconnaissance and observation duties.

Beginning in September 1918, the 1st Day Bombardment Group moved to Amanty and began combat operations during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

With the advance of Allied forces, the group moved up to Maulan Aerodrome to be closer to the line, and Amanty was unused by flying units. After the Armistice with Germany on 11 November 1918, the First Army Air Service remained in place until it was ordered demobilized in April 1919. Afterwards Amanty Airdrome was dismantled, and the airfield was returned to the local farmers for agricultural use. Today little or no traces of it remain.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency website http://www.afhra.af.mil/.