Books on daily operational history (aerial)?

stljeffbb · 23 February 2008, 04:11 PM

Hello everyone....I'm wondering if anyone can recommend any books (or sources) that give the daily routine of a pilot in as far as flying missions were concerned (how many per pilot, types, etc.). I'm simulating using the computer game Red Baron 3d (with many applicable modifications), and I would like to know what a day, what different days, were like as a pilot. I've done a moderate amount of searching, finding bits and pieces here and there (including a post on "how many missions per day" here on these forums), and I've had limited success but I'm still not satisfied...

For my simulating, what I'd like to have is an idea of how day-to-day operations took place; not necessarily exactly how they happened (although that would be good as well), but the routine based on nationality, region, and even squadron (I'm flying as an RNAS pilot starting August 1915, so any RNAS info in particular would be great!)

I've found the joys of interlibrary loan

and recently I've acquired Flying Corps Headquarters 1914-1918, Above the Trenches, and The RFC/RNAS/RAF Handbook, along with ordering British Air Forces (1) : 1914-1918 (I enjoy uniforms and their possibilities), and some other general books on WWI (reading The First World War, Second Edition: A Complete History by Martin Gilbert right now...helps to fill in the blanks I did not know about, only having a fair amount of knowledge on the subject previous)....if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Jeff

rainbase · 23 February 2008, 05:08 PM

The Royal Flying Corp Communiques books are really excellent for this. I only have one of them (I think there are three), but they do provide a fascinating look at the day to day operations of that service.

I would also recommend Bloody April... Black September This gives a day to day narrative of those two important periods in the air war.

stljeffbb · 23 February 2008, 08:54 PM

Thanks rainbase!

I found Royal Flying Corp Communiques 1917-18 and purchased it (because I could not find any library that had it!), and I found both of the books you mention at some relatively close libraries....off to study!

Kirk R. Lowry · 23 February 2008, 09:27 PM

Bonjour Jeff

I would recommend a reading of

Winged Victory by Yeates.

Victor Yeates flew with 46 Squadron and 80 Squadron, was given credit for 5 or 6 victories, and survived The Great War to write what may be the greatest novel about the conflict. Though the names of individuals known were changed the tale is an accurate description of life in the R.F.C. and R.A.F. day by day.

Salut!
Kirk

By the way ... thought the history of The Great War written by Gilbert was one of the worst books I have ever read ...

rainbase · 23 February 2008, 10:46 PM

Actually, to add to Kirk's recommendation of

Winged Victory, I would put Artur G. Lee's No Parachute on the list. Like Yeates, Lee also flew with RFC Sq. 46, joining the squadron shortly after

Bloody April when 46 had just made the switch to Sopwith Pups. This book is mostly comprised of the daily letters Lee wrote to his wife (plus some diary entries). This book is brilliant. Written on the spot and packed with detail and description covering the day to day goings on in a front line squadron. I first read this one when I was 12 years old and it has stayed near to my heart ever since. A good thing about it too, Jeff, is that there have been several editions and it's still easy and cheap to find.

Also, since you're interested in RNAS, let me recommend In The Teeth Of The Wind by C.P.O. Bartlett. In a way, this is a RNAS equivalent to Lee's No Parachute, being also made up of letter and diary entries. It's not as graphic as Lee's book, but a fascinating account nevertheless.

Hope this helps some

stljeffbb · 24 February 2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk R. Lowry

Bonjour Jeff

I would recommend a reading of

Winged Victory by Yeates.

Victor Yeates flew with 46 Squadron and 80 Squadron, was given credit for 5 or 6 victories, and survived The Great War to write what may be the greatest novel about the conflict. Though the names of individuals known were changed the tale is an accurate description of life in the R.F.C. and R.A.F. day by day.

Salut!
Kirk

By the way ... thought the history of The Great War written by Gilbert was one of the worst books I have ever read ...

Heh heh, sorry to hear you don't like the Gilbert! I've read about 40 pages, and I like it so far...I've read Dan van der Vat's The Pacific Campaign and most of his The Atlantic Campaign concerning the second world war, and the style reminds me of those...somewhat conversational, chronological, generally more of a general picture....I will say that the Gilbert tends to jump around a little more...thanks for the recommendation concerning Winged Victory....I will look into it!

Jeff