03/31/2012. Because of the American shortage of combat aircraft in 1918, reportedly 143 Camels powered with 130 hp Clerget rotary engines were purchased in England, eventually a total of at least 291 Camels of all sorts were assigned to the Army Expeditionary Force (A.E.F.) of the USAAS. The majority of these were used as advanced trainers although some were converted to night fighters. Eight A.E.F. squadrons operated the type, which flew in non-standard markings, a part of them in British livery.

Camel F1302 was transferred to the A.E.F. and used as a night fighter trainer at the 3rd Aviation Instruction Center at Issoudon, south of Orleans. It carried a US number on the fuselage. View also photo 9744.