The war in the air: 1914-18

• What was the primary purpose of reconnaissance during battles in 1914-18?

  To gain intelligence by surveying territory held by the enemy.
• How did traditional methods of gaining intelligence differ from aerial reconnaissance?

  Traditional methods relied on scouts and spies, while aerial reconnaissance used aircraft for observation.
• What were the three main aspects of reconnaissance?

  Reconnaissance, observation, and communication.
• Why were high points important for observation on land?

  They provided a good observation post for surveying the area.
• When were balloons first used for military observation?

  Balloons were used in the air in the 1780s.
• What was the role of balloons during the American Civil War?

  They were used as aerial "high points" for observing the enemy.
• What was the first reconnaissance airship of the British army?

  Beta 1.
• How did airships differ from balloons in military use?

  Airships were invented for commercial flight and had more mobility than balloons.
• What was the maximum height balloon observers could ascend to?

  4,000 feet.
• What was the purpose of the winch crew for observation balloons?

  To reel down the balloon if enemy aircraft threatened.
• How did incendiary ammunition affect balloons and airships?

  It could catch fire and damage them.
• What was the significance of the British balloon superiority by the end of 1916?

  It allowed British observers to accurately target enemy positions.
• When did the first RFC reconnaissance mission take place?

  On August 19, 1914.
• What was the initial task of the RFC in France?

  To support the army by scouting and artillery spotting.
• Who were the pilots of the first RFC reconnaissance mission?

  Gilbert Mapplebeck and Philip Joubert de la Ferte.
• What was a common issue faced by pilots during reconnaissance missions?

  They often could not accurately identify soldiers and trenches below.
• What was the impact of communication errors during reconnaissance missions?

  It led to frequent misidentifications and confusion on the battlefield.
• What was the initial method of communication used by pilots?

  Hand signals and messages dropped from the air.
• How did radio communication evolve during the war?

  It became more advanced, allowing for real-time communication between aircraft and ground forces.
• What was the first RFC squadron to develop radio communication?

  No. 9 Squadron.
• What was the role of the RFC ground operators?

  To relay information from pilots to artillery units.
• How did the use of radio impact the effectiveness of air reconnaissance?

  It allowed for immediate artillery direction and improved coordination.
• Who first experimented with photography in the air for the army?

  Frederick Laws.
• Why was air photography valuable during battles?

  It helped commanders see the whole battlefield as the fighting evolved.
• What was the first type of camera used for air photography?

  Metal or glass plates in early cameras.
• How did the British army utilize air photographs?

  They created detailed maps and mosaic maps of the battlefield.
• What was the significance of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle in March 1915?

  It revealed new trench construction through air photography, leading to changes in British attacks.
• How many aerial photographs did the RFC take during the Somme offensives of 1916?

  More than 19,000 aerial photographs.
• What role did camouflage play in air reconnaissance?

  It forced ground forces to disguise their activities from aerial surveillance.
• When was the first camouflage unit set up by the French army?

  In 1915.
• What were some methods used for camouflage during the war?

  Painting buildings, concealing aircraft, and covering artillery guns in netting.
• How did air reconnaissance contribute to the struggle for air superiority?

  It provided vital intelligence for planning and executing air battles.
• What was the initial role of the RFC established in 1912?

  To be part of the army for reconnaissance.
• How did the RNAS contribute to the war effort before 1914?

  By conducting coastal patrols and scouting for the navy.
• What was the outcome of the RNAS raid on Zeppelin sheds in November 1914?

  Two bombs hit the airship base, damaging one Zeppelin.
• What was the RFC's initial task on the Western Front?

  To support the army's ground offensives through reconnaissance.
• How did the role of aircraft evolve during the war?

  They transitioned from reconnaissance to bombing and artillery support.
• Who commanded the RFC on the Western Front for much of the war?

  Hugh Trenchard.
• What was the significance of the RFC's three-pronged policy?

  It aimed to attack, support ground forces, and gather intelligence.
• How did the development of air power change Britain's war strategy?

  It led to a greater emphasis on aerial reconnaissance and air superiority in military operations.