AMERICAN AVIATORS.

Waikato Times, Volume 87, Issue 13269, 26 August 1916, Page 3 (Supplement)

AMERICAN AVIATORS.

Two American aviators, Messrs Fraziei Curtis and Norman Prince, of Marble head (Mass.), decided, in the month o! December, 1914, to offer their servicee tc France. They assembled around then several young Americans—Messrs Janice Bach Elliot Cowdin, H. G. Gerin, Ber Hall, D. G. Masson, Andrew Ruel, and William Thaw the greater number oi whom are students of American univers ties. By joining the French army, they said, they wished to help a Republic which is fighting for the liberty of all na tions

The nine American volunteers arrived in Paris at the beginning of the year 1915 and immediately began their instruction in two large schools of aviation. Their certificate obtained, they served for a time in the aerial defence of Paris, after which they were sent to the front. William Thaw obtained the rank of sub-lieutenam in action. He was specially mentioned in dispatches, as were Sergeants Elliot Cowdin and Norman Prince. Cowdin foughi victoriously against German aeroplanes. Norman Prince, who was alwaya impatient to leave for the front, took part in numerous bombardment expeditions, and was particularly successful in difficult regions ■ Whilst these first volunteers were winning the Croix de Guerre, other young fellows came from America and followed their example. At the end of 1915 French aviation had in its ranks more than thirty American, aviators, pilots, and pupils. Amongst those who had fought ir. the air and those who were eager to fight in their torn were some who gave proof of such great dexterity and audacity and such a military spirit that the High Command decided to form them into an "Eacadrille d'Elite." This squadron is to-day constituted, armed, and equipped, says' a Paris message to the Telegraph." The American.officer, the sab-officers, and PJJoU_who oampoes fc are now si that