Description
Object description
British officer served as observer with C Flight, 42 Sqdn, RAF on Western Front, 8/1918-11/1918
Content description
REEL 1 Aspects of enlisment and training as observer with Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force in GB, 10/1917-8/1918: reaction to outbreak of First World War in Clapham, London, 4/8/1914; reasons for enlistment in Royal Flying Corps, 10/1917; breathing test during medical examination; aircraft recognition training; Lewis Gun training; castor oil problem with rotary engines; use of camera gun; shooting at rafts in sea; amusing story of initial attempt to use camera gun; question of adequacy of training. Aspects of journey from GB to Rely, France, 8/1918: introduction to drinking in estaminets; reaction to sound of guns; Recollections of operations as observer with C Flight, 42 Sqdn, RAF in France, 8/1918-11/1918: initial impressions on arrival at Rely; character of Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8; question of reliability of Lewis Gun; nature of line patrols including firing at ground targets, use of wireless to get artillery to engage targets of opportunity, methods of dropping bombs, anti-aircraft fire, avoidance of German aircraft and expending all ammunition prior to return; nature of artillery observation flights including prior briefing with artillery unit, method of ranging on to target using clock code and problems encountered.
REEL 2 Continues: opinion of pilots; attaining status as senior observer; communicating with pilot in air; flying clothes worn; question of issue of parachute and training jumps; story of crash landing after evading attack by German aircraft in area of low mist; failure of trial attempts to drop ammunition boxes by parachute; practise flying on return from patrols using emergency controls in observer's cockpit; relations with officers; RAF uniform; special reconnaissance patrol at high altitude; debriefing reports; story of flying over newly evacuated Lille; 17/10/1918; duration and frequency of patrols; recreational activities; photographic reconnaissance patrols; story of crash landing after taking control when pilot was fatally wounded, 30/10/1918; subsequent evacuation with shell shock to GB, 11/1918.
REEL 3 Continues: experiments in use of long range machine gun fire to shoot down German kite balloons; failed experiment in dropping flechettes on German trenches; casualty rates; relations with ground crews; character of engine fitted in Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8; origins of pilots; recieving temporary disability pension; Royal Air Force pay; question of continuing service in Royal Air Force; air displays.