Continental Air Forces
The Continental Air Forces was established by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress passed on December 5, 1775, on the recommendation of General George Washington. It followed the establishment of first the Continental Army in June, the Continental Navy in September, and the Continental Marines in November.
Resolved, That two battalions of Airmen be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good airmen, or so acquainted with draconic affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Airmen.The Continental Army already had on it's rolls a small handful of Dragons and attendant Riders and crewmen who had joined up from the British Aerial Corps. These were transferred to the newly established Air Forces.
Capture of Camp Wyatt
On January 22, 1776, the newly commissioned Colonel of the Continental Air Forces gathered his troops just east of the position of Camp Wyatt, the British Aerial Corps camp in the western part of Virginia Colony. They made their way to the camp by air, announcing their presence only once they had arrived over the camp. As a number of the troops had been previously stationed at Camp Wyatt, they were able to focus their attention on the key areas of the infrastructure. Shortly after announcing their arrival, the Colonel accepted the surrender of nearly all of the Dragons, Riders, and crew in residence at the camp. The few British officers and Dragons who refused to surrender were captured by the surrendering forces and imprisoned in the camp's brig. Within an hour of arriving at Camp Wyatt, the newly designed flag of the Continental Air Forces was raised. Just over a week later, Camp Wyatt was confirmed by Congress to be the Headquarters of the Continental Air Forces battalions. Many of the surrendered British forces chose to defect and joined the ranks of the battalions.Rank, Insignia, and Uniform
The Air Forces took the Continental Army's rank structure for their own, with the highest commissioned officer being the rank of Colonel, per Congressional Resolution, during 1775-76. Rank insignia consisted largely of different color sashes or leather straps. Dragons bear the rank of their Rider, typically indicated by the color of the strapping around the neck of the Dragon. Ranks Insignia in use in 1775-76:- Colonel - Blue sash and blue dyed leather epaulettes
- Lieutenant colonel - Green sash and green dyed leather epaulettes
- Major - Red sash and red dyed leather epaulettes
- Captain - Yellow sash and yellow dyed leather epaulettes
- Lieutenant - White sash and white dyed leather epaulettes
- Sergeant - Black sash and black dyed leather epaulettes
- Corporal - Buff sash and buff dyed leather epaulettes
- Private - no insignia
Dragons of the Air Forces
Most of the trained Dragons and their crews came to the Air Forces from the British Aerial Corps. They are categorized by their breed's weightclass.Heavyweights
Middleweights
Lightweights
- Maximilien with Captain Andrew Ruddock - War Singer - Egg acquired from the French Troupes de las Dragonnes Currently in training at Camp Wyatt
Founding Date
5 December 1775
Type
Military, Air Force
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Airmen
Location
Related Professions
