by markg » Sun Mar 11, 2012 10:54 am
Thank you for the help and replies. I did not know if it was the right thing to do to join this forum as I have no military background and too young to have fought in the 1st or 2nd world wars. However, I am glad I did. I hope you chaps do not mind.
The little booklet now has a new meaning; not just a name. I have seen the photo of ASW Dore and read quite a bit about him. Holding the booklet I find touching now as I can just imagine ASW Dore holding it all those years ago. I wonder what he was thinking at the time.
I will just write the first few paragraphs of the booklet which I find fascinating-----The British pilot always likes the idea of fighting, and is self reliant. He is a quick thinker compared with the enemy, so that he has the advantage in manoeuvrings. He fights for the sport of the affair, if for no other reason. After the first engagement he gains great confidence from the Parthian tactics of the Enemy.. Very wisely, he is not hampered by strict rules, and as a rule is allowed to conduct his own affairs.
The Enemy Pilot, on the other hand, is of a gregarious nature form long national training and often seems to be bound strict rules, which cramp his style to a great extent. The enemy pilots are often uneducated men, being looked on as simply drivers of machines, while the gunner or observer is considered a grade higher than the pilot
Amazing stuff; the rest of the booklet goes on to describe tactics, where to aim, etc. Diagrams are given. One fact I found interesting that beyond 400 yards their bullets where considered useless.
Anyway, thank you gentlemen, I would like to stay a member if I may. Regards Mark Gaster