The 1re Escadrille de Chasse was founded in February 1916 as the first dedicated squadron of the Aviation Militaire Belge.

An overwhelming invasion by the German army left Belgium partially occupied by the end of 1914, with its preserved territory shielded by deliberate defensive flooding at Nieuwpoort by the Belgians.

As a result, the Aviation Militaire Belge was based in the diminished remnant of a small country, and performed largely in a static defensive mode.

It would claim 52 aerial victories and be credited with 15, at a blood cost of five Belgian pilots killed in action and one accidental death.

From that day to the present, the squadron shares the identity and the traditions of the 1ère Escadrille de Chasse of 1917 .