The Origins of Air War: The Development of Military Air Strategy in World War 1

Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defence; in the First World War views were vastly different. Aircraft were a novelty not always welcomed by the traditionalist military, and there were no tactics, doctrine or strategies available for the deployment of air power. Yet, within four years, proponents of the new force were making claims, often extravagant, of what aircraft could achieve. Here Robert Grattan traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckon with, and its dramatic impact on military strategy. He discusses the details of aircrafts, their engines and manufacture - including the Fokker, Bristol Fighter, the Zeppelin and the DH2 - the weaponry and prominent figures, such as Albert Ball and Werner Voss. "The First Air War" is indispensable for military historians, aviation and military enthusiasts as well as those interested in strategy. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Preface -- Chapter 1: Introduction -- Chapter 2: Organisation -- Chapter 3: Aircraft, Engines and Equipment -- Chapter 4: Weapons -- Chapter 5: The Men -- Chapter 6: Roles and Tactics -- Chapter 7: Air Strategy -- Chapter 8: Analysis and -- Conclusion -- Appendices -- Appendix 1: Time Line 1914-1918 -- Appendix 2: The Build-up of Squadrons in France, and Casualties 1914-1918 -- Appendix 3: Heads of Agreement as to the Constitution of the Inter-Allied Independent Air Force -- Appendix 4: Fighting in the Air. Memorandum Issued by British G.H.Q., France, February 1918 -- Appendix 5: A Short Review of the Situation in the Air on the Western Front and a Consideration of the part to be played by the American Aviation. Memorandum of H.Q.R.F.C., France, December 1917 -- Bibliography -- Index Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defence; in the First World War views were vastly different. This title traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckon with, and its dramatic impact on military strategy. He discusses the details of aircrafts and their engines and manufacture. Robert F. Grattan. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 269-280) And Index.