| Escadrille MS 37 - N 37 - SPA 37 | |
|---|---|
 Squadron Insignia of Escadrille SPA 37 | |
| Active | 1915 |
| Country |  France |
| Branch |  French Air Service |
| Type | Fighter Squadron |
| Engagements |  World War I |
Escadrille 37 of theFrench Air Force was established at Chateauford, France in January 1915. Its original equipment ofMorane-Saulniers led to its original designation ofEscadrille MS 37.
Initially, Escadrille MS 37 was posted to supportII Armee of theFrench Army. During July, it began the transition toNieuport two-seaters which would lead to its being redubbedEscadrille N 37 on 20 September 1915.[1] In Spring 1916, theescadrille converted toNieuport 11s. On 2 July 1916, the unit was forwarded to supportVI Armee. Thead hocGroupement de Chasse de Cachy was there with its four assignedEscadrilles;N 37 and two otherescadrilles were temporarily attached to thegroupement.[1]
In January 1917,Escadrille N.37 transferred toIII Armee. In early March, it moved toIV Armee. At the same time, it began to rearm withSPADs; this would lead to its later redesignation asEscadrille SPA 37. In March, it was incorporated into alarger unit,Groupe de Combat 15. In July,Escadrille 37 was again posted toII Armee. In September, it returned briefly toIV Armee before once again being assigned toII Armee later in 1917.[1]
As part ofGC 15,Escadrille 37 joined in thegroupe missions as it returned to support ofIV Armee in mid-January 1918. Theescadrille remained withGC 15 as the latter was incorporated into the largerEscadre de Combat No. 1 on 4 February 1918; subsequently that formation joined an even larger one,1er Division Aerienne, on 14 May 1918.[1]
On 4 October 1918, theEscadre and its constituentescadrilles werecited in orders.Escadrille SPA 37 was credited with 50 confirmed victories and 35 probables to date. Subsequent victories before war's end are unknown.[1]
Escadrille 37 served in theFrench Air Force until disbandment on 29 June 2010.