Auguste Baux

Baux first served in the infantry, and on 3 October 1914 during the fighting on the Western Front was taken prisoner by the Germans. However he managed to escape and returned to the French lines.[2][3]

He later transferred to the Army's aviation service, gaining Military Pilot's Certificate No. 5484, and was then posted to Escadrille N 103 on 4 May 1917, flying Nieuports. The unit was renamed Escadrille SPA 103 in April 1917, after re-equipping with SPAD aircraft.[4]

Baux's first confirmed aerial victory came on 16 March 1918 after shooting down an Albatros D.V fighter over Witry-lès-Reims. On 22 March he and two other pilots were jointly credited with shooting down a Rumpler two-seater reconnaissance aircraft over Rilly-la-Montagne. On 22 April Baux and Sgt Gilbert Loup claimed two fighters shot down over Laval, but their claims were denied. On 2 June his victory over an enemy aircraft over Moreuil was confirmed, and he gained two more confirmed victories (though details remain obscure)[2] before his death in combat over Cuchery on 17 July 1918.[2][3]

Baux was awarded the Military Medal and the Croix de Guerre with four palms.[2][3]

• 
  Auguste Baux stands next to his SPAD.
• 
  Auguste Baux stands next to his SPAD, with his squadronmates.

• Franks, Norman & Bailey, Frank W. (1992). Over the Front: A Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918. London, UK: Grub Street. ISBN 978-0-948817-54-0.