Nieuport 17 ‘N1720’, Adjudant René Dorme, Escadrille N3, Autumn 1916.
René Pierre Marie Dorme was a distinguished World War I fighter ace, credited with 23 confirmed victories and approximately 32 probable ones. Dorme began his aviation career training as an aerial observer, but switched to pilot training, earning his Military Pilot’s Brevet on May 6, 1915. Assigned to Escadrille C94 at Villacoublay, he scored his first victory on April 3, 1916, over Carlepont. Eager for combat, he joined the elite Escadrille N3 on May 27, 1916, flying Nieuport fighters at Cachy. His aircraft, adorned with a green Cross of Lorraine, the number 12, and nicknamed “Père Dorme,” became iconic. On May 25, 1917, Dorme was killed in action near Reims, likely during a dogfight near Fort de la Pompelle, possibly by German ace Heinrich Kroll of Jasta 9.
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