Aces and Aircraft of World War I

Christopher Campbell

ISBN-10: 0713709545
ISBN-13: 978-0713709544

144 pages
Black & White photographs
Colour Illustrations
Hardback

When the armies of Europe blundered into war in August 1914, there was little real appreciation of the impact that the aeroplane would have on warfare. It was the advent in 1915 of the machine gun-armed fighter aircraft that introduced the revolutionary aspect to machine warfare – the struggle for air superiority. With it appeared a new breed of fighting man: the fighter pilot. They were there to sweep the skies of the reconnaissance machines, but on their way, they would have to fight each other.

Their names echo down over the last 100 years - Richthofen, McCudden, Guynemer, Rickenbacker – and their aircraft – Spads, Sopwith Camels, Fokker Triplanes – remain as splashes of colour and glamour against a sombre background of tragedy.

Vividly evoking the flavour, excitement and harshness of open-cockpit warfare, Aces and Aircraft is a profusely illustrated history of the careers of 29 of the most remarkable of the fighting pilots of World War I. Full details of their aircraft are given, each one illustrated with a full colour profile by noted aviation artist John Wood. Their careers are placed in the perspective of the entire air war, revealing the pattern of its development with a new and fascinating authority and clarity. Detailed commentaries analyse the origins and development of the air forces and the evolution of the fighting techniques, armament and aircraft.

Of the 29 Aces, Campbell devotes a chapter to Robert Alexander Little, who was amongst the first pilots posted to Naval 8 Squadron on its formation in October 1916, and who is generally regarded as the most successful Australian flying ace, with an official tally of 47 victories.  

The fascinating story of air forces’ uniforms, flying clothing, badges and medals is investigated in detail, illustrated by many full colour artworks. Photographs from archives all over the world form a rich background to this comprehensive history of the men who struggled for air superiority in World War I.

Published by

Blandford Press Ltd

Link House
West Street

Poole

Dorset BH15 1LL

First Edition February 1981