Summary: British Experience Of Warfare

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• 1 British Experience of Warfare

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• What were the early aircraft's made from?

  They had no suspension, were made from fabric and wood. There were no weapons or other equipment. Although pilots would take pistols on board and some pilots would shoot other aircraft. Also if the aircraft crashed many pilots would shoot themselves to avoid burning to death.

• Did war advance the technology?

  Yes, the aircraft significantly advanced due to the war and if were not for the war, then it may have taken 20 more years for the aircraft to reach the point that they did and for the materials to change.

• When was the first bomb dropped by a Zeppelin on Britain?

  Exploded Near Dover Castle on Christmas Eve, 1914, but nobody was hurt.

• What are the statistics for Zeppelin Raids?

  London was first bombed by Zeppelins on 31 May 1915. Most raids took place in night time. In total 556 people were killed in the London Raids. 1350 were injured by 5750 bombs were dropped. This activity led to the British to go on defense. Blackouts became routine and anti-aircraft guns were created and positioned in key locations; fighter aircraft were equipped and trained to attack Zeppelins.

• Why were the pilots and men in observation balloons not allowed to take parachutes?

  They saw it as contrary to the bravado of air combat, and it was seen as not in keeping with high morale as it suggested the men would be too cowardly not to engage in combat.

• When did they start using radio communication in Balloons etc?

  The first experiment with wireless telegraphy(using Morse code transmitted by radio waves) was in September 1914. Four months later No.9 Squadron was formed to develop radio communication. This was used for reconnaissance and men in aircraft would send back messages on what the enemy was doing.

• How did camera's vary in size?

  They varied in size but were mostly the same design, it was often difficult for the pilots as they had to take photo's and control the aircraft at the same time if they were singe seaters.

• What happened when photo's were taken?

  As soon as they were processed the aerial photographs were turned into mosaics of the battlefield. The photograph analysis department had geographers ready to map out the trenches.

• How did things change from aerial reconnaissance to Aerial combat?

  In 1914 the RFC had 5 squadrons, one observation balloon squadron and 4 aeroplane squadrons. These squadrons were first used for aerial spotting, flying over the trenches and reporting enemy positions. By May 1916 300 British aircraft and 550 wireless stations were operating in Flanders and France. All belligerents were uncomfortable with doing so much reconnaissance, so machine guns were fitted on the side of the aircraft. Leading to air to air combat and dog fights in the sky. This led to camouflage on the ground. This led to the phrase Air superiority.

• When was the Royal Air force created?

  1st April 1918.