The mission of the group was primarily to keep the friendly command informed of the general situation within the enemy lines by means of visual and photographic reconnaissances. It was called upon to effect, whenever necessary, the adjustment of U.S. Army artillery fire. In addition, it was expected that the group would serve to complete the schooling of pilots and observers and render them more competent to undertake intensive operations elsewhere on a larger and more complete scale.
History
Created on 1 August 1918, it was organized at Luxeuil-les-Bains Aerodrome, France with the 99th and 104th Aero Squadrons on 7 August. At the time of organization, the 99th was conducting a liaison school with infantry units at which place the 104th Squadron reported, but due to a lack of equipment and officer personnel, no combat operations took place.[1]
During the period 20 October – 1 November, the weather conditions were very poor. Observation patrols over the enemy lines were very difficult due to the poor visibility, and direct observation yielded very little useful information. Clearing weather on 2 November, extensive observation flights weer made of enemy positions, artillery locations, and enemy defensive organization in general.[1]
Lineage
Organized in France as: V Corps Observation Group, 7 August 1918
^ abcdefgSeries "E", Volume 14, History of the 5th Corps Observation Group. Gorrell's History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919, National Archives, Washington, D.C.
^To be confirmed, as the BR 229 most likely stayed in the Champagne region in the closing months of the war, far from the V Corps' combat area; it might be a confusion with BR 219
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