The outset of the Portuguese Military Aeronautics (1912-1917)

Neves, Fernando M. S. P.; Barata, Jorge M M; Silva, A. R. R.

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.6/12821

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Authors

Neves, Fernando M. S. P.

Barata, Jorge M M

Silva, A. R. R.

Abstract(s)

The Outset of the Portuguese Military Aeronautics dates back to 1912 when Army and Navy aviation began to be constituted. António José de Almeida, a Portuguese republican politician, in the session of the Chamber of Deputies on June 26, proposed a Draft Law [Bill] and a Supportive Report, both aimed at creating Portuguese Military Aviation. Two months later, the War Ministry appointed a Military Aeronautics Commission to study the creation of a Military Aviation School. Months later, the Commission presented an extensive Official Report outlining the fundamental points for creating an Aeronautical School in Portugal, including its location. After further clarifications, the Minister of War presented a proposal approved in the Chamber of Deputies session on April 22, in the Senate on May 7, drafted a week later, under Law Nº. 162, May 14, 1914. The construction work of the Military Aviation School began on April 5, 1915, in Vila Nova da Rainha. According to the Military Aeronautics Commission report, the first Pilot Aviators should be trained abroad; on August 14, 1915, the Army's Order published a competition for Army and Navy Officers to serve in Aviation. After receiving their diplomas, 11 Officers returned to Portugal to form the initial core of instructors at the newly established School of Military Aeronautics. On September 1, 1916, the Government inaugurated the Military Aeronautics Service and the first Military Aviation School. From November 2, 1916, to May 1917, sixteen candidates were admitted to the first Portuguese Course for Military Aviation Pilots. On September 28, 1917, the School incorporated the Naval Aviation Service. As a result of the Escola de Aeronáutica Militar opening, the Portuguese Government issued Decree Nº 2907 of December 20, 1916, creating symbols and identifiers used by the aeronautical troops in their uniforms.