Origins The 8th Aero Squadron was drawn from enlisted personnel of the 2d Company "I" Provisional aviation camp,
Kelly Field, Texas. After a short period of training at Kelly Field, the squadron moved to
Selfridge Field, Michigan, on 5 July 1917. Together with the
9th Aero Squadron, the 8th helped to construct the new flying field. For three and a half months, the 8th Aero Squadron was engaged in training, the flight cadets completing primary aviation flight training, including soloing on
Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny" trainers. On 19 February, the squadron entrained at Barisey-la-Cote, for St. Andre-de-Culizac. Seven box cars were assigned the squadron for officers and men. Five days were consumed on the move to
Bordeaux where, upon arrival, billets were assigned to officers and men in the small village of
Fargues-Saint-Hilaire. The billets were the usual French rooms but the men were very comfortable. The squadron commander and his adjutant were assigned one of the largest chateaux in the village, splendidly furnished and equipped with billiard tables and a huge library. ==See also==