Escadrille 12 was equipped initially with
Nieuport IV.M two-seat monoplanes aircraft; hence its original designation as
Escadrille N 12. It took the Nieuports into World War I, but was then re-equipped with
Morane-Saulnier L monoplanes on 28 February 1915. In accordance with French custom, it was renamed
Escadrille MS 12. By this time, the unit was assigned to V Armee of the French ground forces. In September 1915, the
escadrille re-equipped once again, with
Nieuport 11 single seat fighters, and it once again became
Escadrille N 12. In subsequent months, it would also acquire
Nieuport 12 two seat fighters,
Nieuport 16s, and
Nieuport 17s. On 8 July 1916, it was cited in orders. It moved to a new assignment with II Armee on 5 October 1916. On 1 November 1916, it was one of four
escadrilles consolidated into
Groupe de Combat 11, the other Nieuport
escadrilles being
Escadrilles N31,
N48, and
N57. As a component of
GC 11, the
escadrille was reassigned to V Armee in April 1917. In July,
GC 11 moved to 1er Armee in
Flanders. On 16 September 1917, it was transferred to VI Armee. In December, it upgraded to
SPADs and thus became
Escadrille Spa12.
Groupe de Combat 11 joined
Groupe de Combat 13 and
Groupe de Combat 17 to form
Escadre de Combat No. 2 on 27 February 1918. In turn,
Escadre de Combat No. 2 was subsumed into the
1er Division Aerienne on 14 May 1918. On 16 May 1918,
Escadrille Spa 12 was cited by General
Philippe Pétain for its prowess in destroying 34 enemy aircraft and two
observation balloons. On 28 May 1918,
GC II was detached from
Escadre de Combat No. 2 and assigned to support VI Armee and V Armee. On 23 September 1918,
GC 11 was moved to IV Armee. They made their final move on 6 November, to VIII Armee. When the war ended five days later,
Escadrille Spa12 had been credited with victories over 43 enemy aircraft and seven observation balloons. The heritage of the
Escadrille 12 continues in the present day French air force. ==Commanding officers==