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.
The initial formation of the escadrille consisted of six pilots and two observers, flying the Morane-Saulnier L. During this period in the war, not all French aircraft were equipped with machine guns, and Achard had only a carbine rifle for self-defense.