Macmillan, Norman (Oral history)

British officer served as pilot with 45 Sqdn, Royal Flying Corps on Western Front, 3/1917-1/1918

REEL 1 Recollections of operations as pilot with 45 Sqdn, Royal Flying Corps on Western Front, 3/1917-1/1918: comparison of comradeship in infantry in contrast to isolated position as scout pilot; photographic reconnaissance missions in Sopwith Strutter; scout role of Sopwith Camel; absence of German aircraft crossing front line; question of French and British policy over width of No Man's Land; flooded trenches; relative effects of cold; prior recollection of disadvantages of wearing kilt; comparison of comradeship in infantry in contrast to isolated position as scout pilot; comfort of airfield mess; necessity for all round perspective when flying; role during Third Battle of Ypres, 8/1917-11/1917; tactic of sweeping over front line in Sopwith Camels at increasing heights to achieve height superiority over German Albatross D.III fighters and consequent successful dogfight; casualties whilst escorting photographic reconnaissance aircraft, 5/6/1917; question of chivalric approach in air combat; nature of dogfight flying; nature of scout patrol duties; story of low level ground strafing under 'tunnel' of British shells during Third Battle of Ypres, 8/1917-11/1917.