Construction Companies, sometimes referred to as Aero Construction Companies, were United States Army Air Service units that served during World War I. First authorized in December 1917, these companies were created, originally under the Aviation Section, Signal Corps, to serve as skilled laborers in the construction of various projects in the United Kingdom, the majority of which involved the building of facilities relating to aviation. Half of these units, however, would remain in the U.S., where they worked on various airfields. By the end of the war, over 6,000 men had enlisted across 39 construction companies.
Organization and role On December 5, 1917, The United States and the United Kingdom signed an agreement that, among other things, called for the U.S. to supply 6,200 American laborers to use as construction workers for various building projects relating to the Royal Flying Corps. Later that month, in response to the agreement, came the authorization of the first construction companies, all of which were to be organized at Kelly Field in Texas. The next month, on January 26, 1918, the U.S. and U.K. signed another agreement, known as the Rothermere-Foulois agreement or Handley-Page agreement, which called for the arrival of 3,000 American laborers to arrive by June, though these troops were to have a more specific purpose. Originally, however, the labor for the Handley-Page agreement was meant to be supplied by African-American units though difficulty with quickly finding sufficient numbers of trade specialist made this impossible. In response 9 white construction companies were furnished instead, these units originally organized for work under the December 5th agreement. The original 3,000 African-American laborers were still to be organized and were to be placed under the December 5 agreement. Many African-American tradesmen would be organized into various labor battalions serving in France.
Both of these agreements called for these laborers to be made up of bricklayers, carpenters, and general non-specific laborers. Of these general laborers were to make up the majority in both agreements, followed by bricklayers, then carpenters. Of the 39 construction companies, 12 were bricklayers, 4 were carpenters, and 23 were laborers.
From March to April 1918, the first 9 Construction Companies, all bricklaying, arrived in England to provide the labor for the December 5th agreement. Companies 10–19, excluding the 13th, went to work on the construction projects under the Handley-Page agreement. These 19 companies were assigned to the Service of Supply troops which was a part of the American Expeditionary Force. The remaining 20 companies spent the rest of the war in the U.S. under the construction division, though they were meant for overseas service the war ended before they could be shipped off. While in the states these companies mainly worked on the construction of Lee Hall, Langley Field, and various aviation fields on Long Island. Only one non-Overseas company was stationed outside New York and Virginia, that being the 24th which was stationed in Florida, though this occurred after the war.
Trades and examinations
In order to be assigned to the construction companies, nearly all men had to be proficient in at least 1 of 57 different trades. Following their enlistment, the men would undergo a medical examination then proceed to list their profession to an officer who would then direct them to an oral examiner. These oral examinations would be given to the recruit by a fellow enlisted man with experience in their respective occupation. Some trades had practical examinations as well, which was overseen by a chief of section and various examiners. Once the men completed their required testing they would then be granted to join their company. Those who failed their exams, both oral and practical, would again be questioned and if a substitute trade could not be found they would then, generally, be assigned to other units. In addition to these examinations a company would also undergo the standard military training as they could be sent to the front once their construction duties were finished.
The 57 trades are as follows: (Note that some trades received the same examination as others) TradePractical Examination (If Required)ArmorerNoneAuto Body BuilderNoneAuto MechanicRequired to explain the functions of the running gear and chassis.Balloon RiggerNoneBlacksmithRequired to make a plain weld using a round or flat stock, form an eye on a round stock, construct a mud scraper, hook and staple along with other small other task.Boat BuilderNoneBricklayerNoneCabinet MakerRequired to pass the same exam as was given to the carpenters, with the addition of making repairs on furniture.Canvas WorkerRequired to sew using a sewing machine and sew by hand on different types of fabrics, as well as explaining their work.CarpenterRequired to perform work such as, but not limited too, the construction of office railings, floor laying, signboards, woodwork repairing, saw horses, packing boxes.Carpenter (Boss)Required to understand blueprints, use a steel square in laying out rafters, use angles and joints, estimate the amount of lumber needed for construction plans, as well as demonstrate knowledge of carpenter tools.ChauffeurRequired to drive and operate an automobile around the campgrounds while utilizing the gearshift, brakes and throttle controls.Chauffeur (1st Class)Likely Required to be able to perform all task required by a standard chauffeur.Chief of SectionThis position was held by enlisted men that were highly qualified in their respective trade. They would oversee the training of workers skilled in their area of expertise.Clerk (No Typist)NoneClerk (Typist)Required to transcribe letters and other dictation.CookNoneCoppersmithNoneCordage WorkerNoneDraftsmanNoneElectricianNoneEngine ApprenticeRequired to partially dismantle a motor, demonstrate mechanical knowledge by explaining various functions of a motor.Engine RepairmanRequired to partially dismantle a motor, demonstrate mechanical knowledge by explaining various functions of a motor.Engine TesterRequired to partially dismantle a motor, demonstrate mechanical knowledge by explaining various functions of a motor.Fabric WorkerRequired to sew using a sewing machine and sew by hand on different types of fabrics, as well as explaining their work.Instrument RepairerNoneLithographerNoneMachinistNoneMagneto RepairmanRequired to demonstrate knowledge regarding electrical knowledge.Mechanic (Chief)NoneMechanic (Assistant Chief)NoneMechanic (General)NoneMechanic (Skilled)NoneMechanician (Airplane)Due to the rarity of men having this trade, they were required to read blueprints, make loops in wire and solder, repair ribs, longerons, and patch fabrics.Mechanician (Motor)NoneMetal WorkerRequired to hinge two pieces of sheet metal together, the joining copper tubes together, as well as funnel, can cover, and stove pipe work.MotocyclistRequired to drive and operate a motorcycle around the campgrounds and explain the vehicles various parts and their role.MoulderNoneNon-SpecialistNonePackerNonePainterRequired to Mix various colors, work on signboards, as well as perform work on wood such as varnishing, finishing and staining.Pattern MakerRequired to pass the same exam as was given to the carpenters, with the addition of making repairs on furniture.PhotographerNonePlumberNonePropeller MakerThere was no specific exam for propeller makers, and as such, they were given the same exam as Cabinet Makers and Pattern Makers with the exception that the examiner was a propeller maker himself.Propeller TesterNoneRadio MechanicRequired to send and receive messages and demonstrate knowledge in the method of communication.RiggerNoneSaddlerNoneSail MakerRequired to sew using a sewing machine and sew by hand on different types of fabrics, as well as explaining their work.StenographerRequired to transcribe dictation.Stock-KeeperNoneTool MakerNoneTruckmasterRequired to explain the functions of the running gear and chassis.Truckmaster (Assistant)Required to explain the functions of the running gear and chassis.VulcanizerNoneWelder (Acetylene)Required to weld cast iron, brass, aluminum, or steel depending on their familiarity with these metals and demonstrate knowledge regarding welding.
List of companies The first 12 Construction Companies were mustered into service in January of 1918 and by August all were overseas in England, with the first units arriving in March. In the spring another 27 companies were authorized for creation.
First wave Unit NameActiveStationedType1st Construction CompanyJanuary 1918 - April 1919Organized - Kelly Field, Texas Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Garden City, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - March 1919 Garden City, New York March - April 1919 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying2nd Construction Company January 1918 - April 1919Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Aviation Field No. 1, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - March 1919 Garden City, New York March - April 1919 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying3rd Construction Company January 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Garden City, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - December 1918 Garden City, New York December 1918 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying4th Construction Company January 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Garden City, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - December 1918 Garden City, New York December 1918 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying5th Construction Company January 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Hazelhurst Field, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - December 1918 Garden City, New York December 1918 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying6th Construction CompanyJanuary 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Mineola, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - December 1918 Garden City, New York December 1918 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying7th Construction CompanyJanuary 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - February 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina February - March 1918 Garden City, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - December 1918 Garden City, New York December 1918 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying8th Construction CompanyJanuary 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - January 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina January - March 1918 Mineola, New York March - March 1918 Port of Embarkation, Hoboken March - March 1918 England March 1918 - December 1918 Garden City, New York December 1918 Demobilized - Garden City, New YorkBricklaying9th Construction CompanyJanuary 1918 - December 1918Organized - Kelly Field, Texas
Kelly Field, Texas January - February 1918 Camp Sevier, South Carolina February - March 1918