Great War Fighter Aces 1916 - 1918

Description

By the close of 1916, the air war over France was progressing amazingly. The Royal Flying Corps, the French Air Force and the opposing German Air Service, were all engaged in fierce aerial conflict and the Allied air forces were following a particularly successful if aggressive policy. They were taking the war to the Germans by constantly crossing the massive trench system that stretched from the North Sea to the Swiss border. With observation and bombing aircraft requiring constant protection from the German fighter Jastas, the fighter aces on both sides soon gained publicity and fame as a result of their daily engagements. This book explores the many ways in which fighter pilots developed tactics in order to outdo the opposition in the fight for allied victory. In so doing, they achieved high honours on account of their prowess in the skies. It also looks at the development of militarised flight during the course of these key years, revealing how each side constantly endeavoured to improve their aircraft and their gunnery.By early 1918 the Americans were also starting to take part in the war against Germany, and any number of US citizens were joining both the French Air Service as well as manning their own Aero Squadrons. This publication covers the development of American air combat, whilst also recording the efforts of some of their ace pilots flying both British and French aircraft with precision and skill. AUTHOR: Norman Franks is a respected historian and author. Previous titles for Pen and Sword include, RAF Fighter Pilots Over Burma, Coastal Command's Air War Against the German U-Boat and Great War Fighter Aces 1914-1916. He lives in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.

Norman Franks is a respected historian and author. Previous titles for Pen and Sword include, RAF Fighter Pilots Over Burma, Coastal Command's Air War Against the German U-Boat and Great War Fighter Aces 1914-1916. He lives in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex.

"All in all, this book will be a welcome addition to your bookshelf, bringing together as it does, photographs of the aces of all nations together into one book."-- "Scale Aviation Modeller International" "The author did pick from a very nice selection of period images to illustrate both the pilots and planes... The historical sections were well written and the captions informative, which is really all you can ask. It is a great book and one that those who want to know more about these men will find a delight."-- "Modeling Madness" "The usual outstanding selection of rare photographs is supported by concise and clear text in the form of captions and much longer introductory pieces. A very affordable volume with many remarkable images of war."-- "FIRE Reviews"