The construction of the 1st Air Depot was begun on 1 November 1917.
 The first contingent of Air Service troops arrived at Colombey-les-Belles.
consisting of one officer and 20 men.
 For its first three months, the depot consisted of personnel from the 88th, 89th and 90th Aero Squadrons, 7 officers and approximately 450 men.

The construction proceeded through the winter in mostly inclement weather.
 During this period the flying field construction was begun as well as barracks, buildings and hangars, with the major initial construction being completed on 5 April 1918 when most of the facility was completed.
 This included facilities for 40 officers and 800 men; barracks and quarters for five squadrons and buildings for storage and office purposes.
 A standard gauge railroad extending from the Colombey Railroad Station was constructed along with a system of narrow gauge track which connected various warehouses with the main receiving building along with the flying field and various repair shops.
  Several aircraft hangars were erected and about 50 acres of ground was conditioned for flying operations.
 By the time of the Armistice in November 1918, the 1st Air Depot consisted of more than 570 acres of land, with 144 buildings consisting of supply warehouses, office buildings and barracks.
  The flying field had a total of 25 aircraft hangars.
 The three squadrons later left for combat duty and were replaced by a permanent garrison in March 1918.
 These being the 637th, 643d, 645th and 463d Aero Squadrons.

Air Raids and Defenses
Due to its proximity to the front lines, a dispersal plan was set up which placed the majority of buildings in the woods around the flying field.
  All buildings were camouflaged and set well apart from another in an irregular pattern.
 During its time in operation, the depot was never attacked by enemy bombing raids, although on several occasions enemy observation aircraft flew over the depot.
  On three occasions, bombs were dropped on the flying field, but the depot was missed entirely.

Having in mind the proximity of the base to the front, zig-zag trenches were dug near all barracks for the protection of personnel.
  Also an anti-aircraft defense was established consisting of four AAA Batteries.
 These consisted of 16 75mm guns; 30 machine guns and 6 80-inch searchlights, dispersed at positions surrounding the airfield and depot.
The construction of the 1st Air Depot was begun on 1 November 1917.  The first contingent of Air Service troops arrived at Colombey-les-Belles. consisting of one officer and 20 men.  For its first three months, the depot consisted of personnel from the 88th, 89th and 90th Aero Squadrons, 7 officers and approximately 450 men.
The construction proceeded through the winter in mostly inclement weather.  During this period the flying field construction was begun as well as barracks, buildings and hangars, with the major initial construction being completed on 5 April 1918 when most of the facility was completed.  This included facilities for 40 officers and 800 men; barracks and quarters for five squadrons and buildings for storage and office purposes.  A standard gauge railroad extending from the Colombey Railroad Station was constructed along with a system of narrow gauge track which connected various warehouses with the main receiving building along with the flying field and various repair shops.   Several aircraft hangars were erected and about 50 acres of ground was conditioned for flying operations.  By the time of the Armistice in November 1918, the 1st Air Depot consisted of more than 570 acres of land, with 144 buildings consisting of supply warehouses, office buildings and barracks.   The flying field had a total of 25 aircraft hangars.  The three squadrons later left for combat duty and were replaced by a permanent garrison in March 1918.  These being the 637th, 643d, 645th and 463d Aero Squadrons.
Air Raids and Defenses
Due to its proximity to the front lines, a dispersal plan was set up which placed the majority of buildings in the woods around the flying field.   All buildings were camouflaged and set well apart from another in an irregular pattern.  During its time in operation, the depot was never attacked by enemy bombing raids, although on several occasions enemy observation aircraft flew over the depot.   On three occasions, bombs were dropped on the flying field, but the depot was missed entirely.
Having in mind the proximity of the base to the front, zig-zag trenches were dug near all barracks for the protection of personnel.   Also an anti-aircraft defense was established consisting of four AAA Batteries.  These consisted of 16 75mm guns; 30 machine guns and 6 80-inch searchlights, dispersed at positions surrounding the airfield and depot.
Colombey-les-Belles Aerodrome