 | You can helpexpand this article with text translated fromthe corresponding article in Japanese. (October 2015)Click [show] for important translation instructions.
|
 | This article includes a list ofgeneral references, butit lacks sufficient correspondinginline citations. Please help toimprove this article byintroducing more precise citations.(October 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| 1st Air Squadron | |
|---|---|
| Active | July 5, 1938 – 1945 |
| Country |  Empire of Japan |
| Allegiance | Empire of Japan |
| Branch |  Imperial Japanese Army |
| Type | Army aviation unit |
| Role | Fighter, bomber, reconnaissance |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Yoshitoshi Tokugawa Masanori Makino Tetsuji Ie Hiroyuki Shimoto |
The1st Air Squadron (第一飛行戦隊 Dai-ichi-hikō sentai) was a flying unit of theImperial Japanese Army Air Service. The unit was established on 5 July 1938 atKagamigahara, Japan. The unit saw service in Manchuria during theManchuria Incident, China during theSecond Sino-Japanese War and Burma, Netherlands East Indies, Indochina, Rabaul, Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Philippines, Formosa and Japan duringWorld War II. The unit was disbanded atTakahagi, Japan in late 1945.
The 1st Air Squadron can trace its roots back to theFirst World War, where theImperial Japanese Army used early aircraft in their conquest of German held islands. The "Temporary Air Force" as it was known was primarily used at theSiege of Tsingtao and would ultimately be disbanded in January 1915. Soon after, its successor the 1st Aviation Battalion was established in October of the same year. The original unit was then upgraded in size to the 1st Air Regiment on June 1, 1925, in conjunction with the inauguration of the Army Air Forces Headquarters, which controlled the air force.
In 1915, the "Provisional Air Force," which had been formed during World War I, was scheduled to increase its air power. This includes the independence of the air force and a creation of ten squadrons composing of six fighter squadrons, two light bomber squadrons, and two heavy bomber squadrons. As a result, the 1st Flying Regiment, initially a battalion in size, was assigned two reconnaissance aircraft squadrons bring its total to two reconnaissance aircraft squadrons and two fighter squadrons. Later, the regiment was renamed to the 1st Air Squadron due to the separation of ground and air units within the Japanese army.