Auguste Baux
Adjutant Auguste Baux (9 July 1892 – 17 July 1918) was a French World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.[1]
Auguste Baux | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 9 July 1892 Bourg-de-Péage, Drôme, France |
| Died | 17 July 1918 (aged 26) Cuchery, Marne, France |
| Allegiance | France |
| Service/ | French Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 |
| Rank | Adjutant |
| Unit | Escadrille 103 |
| Awards | Médaille militaire Croix de Guerre |
Biography
Baux first served in the infantry, and on 3 October 1914 during the fighting on the Western Front was taken prisoner by the Germans. However he managed to escape and returned to the French lines.[2][3]
He later transferred to the Army's aviation service, gaining Military Pilot's Certificate No. 5484, and was then posted to Escadrille N 103 on 4 May 1917, flying Nieuports. The unit was renamed Escadrille SPA 103 in April 1917, after re-equipping with SPAD aircraft.[4]
Baux's first confirmed aerial victory came on 16 March 1918 after shooting down an Albatros D.V fighter over Witry-lès-Reims. On 22 March he and two other pilots were jointly credited with shooting down a Rumpler two-seater reconnaissance aircraft over Rilly-la-Montagne. On 22 April Baux and Sgt Gilbert Loup claimed two fighters shot down over Laval, but their claims were denied. On 2 June his victory over an enemy aircraft over Moreuil was confirmed, and he gained two more confirmed victories (though details remain obscure)[2] before his death in combat over Cuchery on 17 July 1918.[2][3]
Baux was awarded the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre with four palms.[2][3]
Auguste Baux stands next to his SPAD.
Auguste Baux stands next to his SPAD, with his squadronmates.
References
- "Auguste Baux". The Aerodrome. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- "Baux, Auguste". Ciel de gloire.com (in French). Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- "Auguste Baux". Fan d'Avions (in French). 16 May 2001. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- Albin, Denis. "L'escadrille 103". L'histoire de l'aviation militaire française (in French). Retrieved 17 January 2018.
Further reading
- Franks, Norman & Bailey, Frank W. (1992). Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-54-0.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)