The book

Although overshadowed by their army counterparts naval aviators earned their place in the history World War I and in the annals of fighter aviation. The Royal Naval Air Service fought hard against the German advances. The "Fokker Scourge" of 1915-16 was stopped dead in its tracks when the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) began to use the Nieuport fighters and two seaters, Sopwith 1.5 strutter and its offspring the Pup. Their successes mounted when flying the Sopwith Triplane and Camel. Some RNAS pilots such as Booker, Collishaw, Little, Soar and Dallas rated among the most successful pilots. Their ranks also included David Ingalls, the only US Navy pilot to make ace with eight victories in Camels while with No 213 Sqn RAF.

The Author

A resident of Leesburg, Virginia, Jon Guttman is research director and contributing writer for Weider History Publications. Specialising in World War I aviation, he has written more than 19 titles for Osprey. They include Spad VII Aces of WWI, Spad XII / XIII Aces of WWI, Balloon Buster Aces of WWI, Bristol Fighter Aces of WWI and Pusher Aces of WWI in the Osprey Aces series; Spa.124 Lafayette Escadrille, Groupe de Combat 12 'Les Cigognes' and 1st Pursuit Group, USAS in the Aviation Elite Units series; and Sopwith Camel vs Fokker Dr.I 1917-18, SPAD XIII vs Fokker D.VII 1917-18 and SE 5/5a vs Albatros D.V 1917-18 in Osprey's "Duel" series. I have known Jon and communicated with him for over 20 years. He is one of the few historians I can use the word impeccable and feel right about doing so.

Contents

Chapter One - Senior Service take wing p.6
Chapter Two - Sensible Sopwiths p.16
Chapter Three - The Triplane trend p.25
Chapter Four - Focus on Flanders p.42
Chapter Five - Camels versus all commers p.63
Chapter Six - Seaplane Defense and Bomber Aces p. 75
Chapter Seven - Attack and Amalgamation p.82
Appendices p.88
Colour Plates Commentary p.90
Bibliography p. 94
Index p.95

Description

Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 97
Author - Jon Guttman
Illustrator - Harry Dempsey
Paperback -published in July 31, 2011;
96 pages total
ISBN - 978-1-84908-345-4

Being in the RNAS

The official name Royal Flying Corps, Naval Wing, after making its appearance in a few documents, dropped out of use, and its place was taken by a name which in process of time received the stamp of official recognition. In July 1914 her is what you could expect as a recruit in the Royal Naval Air Service:

Following a period of probation, a pilot who received a flying certificate of the Royal Aero Club at his own expense was refunded the sum of £75 or a lesser sum as may have been actually charged for tuition.

A Flight Commander's pay was 17 shillings per day. His flight pay was 8 shillings per day and an additional 2 shillings per day for each year's service as Flight Commander.

A Flight Lieutenant's pay was 12 shillings per day. His flight pay was 8 shillings per day and an additional shilling per day for each year's service as a Flight Lieutenant.

Along with 13 RNAS Squadrons there was a Naval Defense Flight.

Demand for More Officers and Men - Terms of Enlistment:

"Ottawa, Dec. 8. 1916- Announcement was made this afternoon that the naval service department is still anxious to secure a number of officers for the Royal Naval air service. Recruiting for this service has been very satisfactory, but the demand for men continues to be greater than the supply. In order to get into the naval air service, applicants have to be young men between 18 and 25 years of age. Those who are selected are entered as probationary flight officers from the date of their leaving Canada. No previous flying experience is required, but knowledge of gasoline driven engines is useful. After qualifying at one of the numerous air service instructional schools in England, probationary flight officers are promoted to sub-lieutenants and detailed for active service. The total length of the qualifying course in England is about six months. The pay of probationary flight officers is 3.50 pounds per day, sub-lieutenants receive $4 per day, and if promoted to flight lieutenants 4.50 pounds. At the end of the war they will receive in addition a bonus of 150 pounds sterling for each completed year of service. By special arrangement with the militia department, unattached and supernumerary officers are allowed to transfer to the Royal Naval air service. University training is not necessary, but it is of assistance in getting into the service. All applications for entry should be addressed to the Naval Secretary, Department of the Naval Service, Ottawa."

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