[bristol scout]

Hi James
Well, lets say from mid 1916 on an increasing basis--and certainly by 1918.

In the air with the Americans---well, given that there were quite a few Americans in the R.F.C., and some tried to stay with the British--and they, of course, were with the French--by mid 1918 the Americans were out to stake a place in history, and certainly by late 1918 were a force to be reckoned with. Not surprising when their leadership had great experience with both French and British doctrines, they managed to match R.A.F. aggressiveness--in a sort of French tactical set-up----Bombers did not do so well--only as a result of not using escorts at first (another lesson that needed to be re-learnt)!
Recon. squadrons and observation flew with high levels of aggressiveness---and all units across the board with extreme courage----As did the French, who i am not castigating out of hand, but lacked---across the board, that level of outright aggressive pursuit of the enemy that characterised British/Dominion---and towards the end American.

American ground forces fought with extreme courage--but, just like Britains 'new' armies in 1916----were really enthusiastic and fiercly brave amateurs. No country with a tiny peace-time proffessional Army can expand to millions in a short time without this painful--and sometimes ruinous fact that must be borne, as must the casualties incurred during the terrible learning curve, as must the odium that politicians and sometimes those who should Know better heap upon the Generals of such armies, who are themselves involved in that learning curve. How could they not be?
No doubt my feelings on this should not be, in any way, taken as the last word! Indeed my slightly flawed feelings of the Gallic race, as i keep pointing out, preclude and militate against objectivity here, in many things French!

Dave.