The escadrille initially comprised only six pilots and two observers, flying the Morane-Saulnier L. At this stage of the war not all French aircraft had machine guns, and Achard had only a carbine rifle to return fire.
Initially, the escadrille was composed of just six pilots and two observers, operating the Morane-Saulnier L.  At that time, not all French planes had machine guns, and Achard had only a carbine rifle for self-defense.