The Knights of the Air

Hello. I am a Graduate student at the University of Western Ontario. Currently I am researching a MA thesis. My topic concerns the image of WWI pilots, among themselves and in the public eye. Initial research indicates that although they have been given the title, 'Knights of the Air,' no code of chivalry existed in any practical form. There were certain 'dos and don'ts,' but rarely did they get in the way of a kill.

I am looking for more research material. Primarly I need material published during the war. For example, personal diaries and letters. Of course any personal insights are welcome, but I am interested in sources that can proclaim academic integrity (I have profs to think about!). If you know of a book at any University I should be able to retrieve it through intercampus loan.

Thanks for any help,
gcavanau@julian.uwo.ca

I like the fact that you want contemporary materials for your research. Many of the books written during the thirties through sixties were probably overly romantic of the era; many of those written in the eighties or nineties were probably too caught up with the intent of tearing down and unglorifying war.

Most of the major aces' biographies were published, some during the war and some after. Those published during the war are often coloured by the times and must be viewed in the context that the conflict was still going on, and that the author had an understandably positive presentation of the facts (i.e. would not necessarily his reveal true emotions). Classics such as Winged Warfare by Billy Bishop (ISBN 020-01024-075), Flying Fury by James McCudden (ISBN 441-24200-095) or The Red Baron by Manfred von Richthofen (ISBN 441-71000-075)are contemporary (all but Bishop died before the war ended) but you have to read between the lines to get a truer understanding of what they went through.

I'd highly recommend No Parachute by Arthur Gould Lee (09-002530-X, 1968). It combines letters written by him to his wife in 1917 with corresponding entries from his personal diary made at the same time. The contrast between the two sources is revealing. He was also just a regular flier, which is more indicative of the average pilot's experiences. Keep in mind that every pilot was an individual, however--generalizations are tricky.

Rudolph Stark's Wings of War (SBN 85368-389-1, 1933/1973) is good, and contains a beautiful account of himself and a British adversary breaking off a fight to the death to spend several minutes sharing a sunset flight together side by side, and then simply parting company.

Ernst Udet's Ace of the Iron Cross (ISBN 0-668-05163-9) shows considerable respect for his opponents. Sagittarius Rising by Cecil Lewis (67-12928) is an absolute classic autobiography and worth reading even if you don't use a word of it.

Although not contemporary, The First of the Few by Denis Winter (ISBN 0-14-00-5256-9) is a first-class piece of research that you should read, and which will provide an excellent bibiography of additional materials.

Obviously these books have been published numerous times--the ISBN numbers I've listed are from my copies only.

Good luck and thanks for your interest in our subject!

You couldn't do much better than to obtain "First To The Front". It is the wartime diary of Waldo Heinrichs of the 95th Pursuit. It is brutally candid and for that reason probably didn't appear until after his death. The best scholarly work might be the "Great War In The Air" by Morrow. You'll probably find them on <bn.com>. So there is one outstanding primary source and perhaps the best of secondary sources. Now here is something to remember from an old academician: "If you steal from one source- that's plagarism. If you steal from several- that's research." My best regards! Lee

[Barrett]

A Cross & Cockade Journal article from the late '60s or early '70s dealt with the subject of chivalry, citing contemporary statements. Raymond Collishaw observed that chivalry usually was reserved for the period after the combat had been resolved--treating the defeated adversary to a drink before he was hauled off to POW camp. I don't know if there's an index that would help narrow the search.
The Great War pilots I got to know were understandably pragmatic in their approach to combat: "You popped the other fellow off as best you could" said Ray Brooks, I think. Another (maybe Ken Porter) noted that shooting your enemy in the back was not only good form but usually necessary.

Hi,
I'm a academic skilled historian from Belgium and already studying 10 years the WWI airwar. I have plenty of diaries written by Belgian citizens (and German airmen also) in which they give their appreciation (positive or negative) on the airmen. Are you interested?

[stephen]

I second the motion for "No Parachute." My personal favorite after a lifetime of reading on the topic. BTW, Mel Alexander of Black Flight told me the only kind of chivalry he knew was to "shoot anything with black crosses on it."

And the previous observation by Ed (?) was SUPERB. Material produced from the 30's to the 60's romanticized everything. Material produced in the 80's and 90's bent over backwards trying to rewrite it. The truth seems to have been somewhere in between.

Forumites:

What a great thread! Thanks for information and the presentation.

DD

Thanks for the books. Here at Western there is a collection referred to as the Hitchins Papers. Fred Hitchins was a student and later an instructor at Western. He was an official air force historian for the RCAF in WWII, and many of the books you listed are here.

Thanks again,
Gord

Thanks. I am familiar with your quotation! I am hoping to get as much research done on this as possible by Christmas. I have 2 other major papers to start by January...

Yes, you are saying similiar things to what I am finding. I am also researching Victorian Chivary to see how these pilots obtained such notions of conduct. For example, from the public schools. I have read Giouard's Chivalry and the English Gentleman, but could you recommend any sources that would help me learn the background of the majority of pilots? For instance, how well educated were they, did they work in engineering jobs before the war, etc?

Thanks again,
Gord