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Thanx for the book info Hugh. I'll be sure to look for it. I have recently spent a lot of time researching VC citations, and the one thing that interested me most was the dispairity of the deeds.
On one hand a VC would be won for a seemingly ordinary action. For example Richard Davis was shot down and burnt his plane before being rescued.(???) Whereas the actions of Collishaw never earned him one, yet Bishop's unverified deed did. Winning a VC appears to be more of a popularity contest, especially in the air services.
BTW I believe you're correct on your count. Only 2 VCs won by RNAS pilots (Warneford's actions were definately worthy considering the year); compared to RFC(11) and RAF(4) during WWI.
Interpretation of the criteria for which a VC was awarded is very open ended. Perhaps these diverse deeds it what holds the fasination and the mystique of the medal till this day.
In conclusion however, I think it's safe to say that it was easier to win one by killing 50 Germans in an afternoon on the ground than downing an even greater number in aerial combat over the course the war.
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