Hope everyone's weekend went well..... I spent the majority of my time finishing work on Chapter 4... which covers the period known as "RACE TO THE SEA"; the battle of 1st Ypres; & the Winter of 1914/1915 including the reorganization of the flying troops into a semi-autonomous unit commanded by THOMSEN.
The horrible weather and late arrival of most of the aircraft and FFAs to Flanders severely handicapped the German Army's attack at Ypres throughout October and November. If the Army had the services of all the FFAs that were present in mid November were present at the start of the battle perhaps the movement of Franco-British troops and placement of new batteries could have been reported and attacks altered accordingly.
The most important issue in the chapter is the reorganization and the subsequent changes made by Thomsen and his top aide Major Siegert. It was during this reorganization that the first artillery flying units were created as well as the first bombing unit code named Carrier Pigeon Ostend. Aviation Staff officers were placed at the army HQ to ensure the FFAs were being employed to their full capabilities. A logistical system was created to ensure the process of sending newly built aircraft to the front as quickly as possible. Orders for more modern and specialized aircraft for artillery or bombing work was placed and the new "C Types" were subsequently at the front by spring 1915. The reorganization saved the air force from near extinction in December of 1914 and had all the flying troops working with better aircraft and carrying out missions that were better utilized by the new staff officers at the various army HQ. Simply put the reorganization had the airforces prepared for the Franco-british offensives starting in late spring of 1915.
The chapter covering all of this was finished over the weeekend and I am now working on CHAPTER 5: "1915" .... The chapter will simply cover all air operations carried out throughout the year. Including the allied offensives at Neuve Chapelle which was prepared by photos made by airmen of the Royal Flying Corps. The first German fighters and the subsequent "Fokker Scourge" are covered in detail. The new artillery fliers system of communication with friendly batteries and the implementation of German reconaissance aircraft using cameras to prepare for attacks are also detailed throughout the chapter. The new aircraft types and deployment/organization of the FFAs are shown with great detail.
The book is coming along great.. any questions or if anyone would like to see a chapter please message me and Id be happy to email a manuscript to a chapter that is already completed (except for the numerous photos and captions which will be added).
hope everyone has a great week.
HOCH DER KAISER!
-Matt Bowden-
MATTHEW_BOWDEN@AOL.COM
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