Who scored the first victory with a SPAD S.VII?

Short answer

Armand Pinsard, of escadrille N.26, was the first to score an aerial victory with the type, on 26 August. The first two examples delivered to a front-line unit had gone to other pilots: the S.112 to Lieutenant Sauvage of N.65 and the S.113 to Georges Guynemer of N.3.

Published: November 5, 2026 · Updated: November 5, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Who scored the first victory with a SPAD S.VII?

Spad XIII "Smith IV" - DPLA - a25c1e12467c2f49f2b531876a080cf5 (page 4)

The first deliveries and the first victory

The first aircraft delivered to a front-line unit was the S.112, flown by Lieutenant Sauvage of N.65, followed by the S.113, assigned to Georges Guynemer of N.3. However, it was Armand Pinsard, of N.26, who first scored an aerial victory, on 26 August.

The SPAD VII in Italy

Italy began using the SPAD VII in March 1917, when nine Squadriglie were equipped with the type. Francesco Baracca, Italy's leading ace, was delighted with the new model, and his personal aircraft is preserved in Italy. Baracca is credited with 34 aerial victories. On 1 May 1917 he moved to the newly formed 91st Squadriglia, known as "the squadron of aces". He did not return from a strafing mission over the Montello area.

The Allied ace of aces

Among French pilots, René Fonck was confirmed with 75 victories, 72 solo and three shared. Fonck retains the title of "Allied ace of aces of all time".