training for aerial observers (German)

[totoroman]

so I've been reading through a 1921 book called "Aerial Observation" where the (American) author asserts that pretty much everybody copied the French pattern for aerial observation training. (Hollworthy or Hall, or something like that)

it made me wonder if the Germans used more or less the same method of training aerial observers that the French, British, and Americans used.

I don't read German all that well-- but I was thinking--that since this book was published in '21 that this could only properly reflect on what most people did at the end of the war. it's not too difficult to find the various aspects of observer and pilot training in English-- (for the Brits and Americans) but I was wondering if the Germans were all that different.

since the French trained a lot of the Americans I can figure out most of the French techniques by proxy.


does anybody know any good sources which explain (in at least some detail) how German observers were trained?

[tcrean7828]

mate,
You might try acquiring the book ‘Der Rote Kampfflieger’ by Manfred von Richthofen. In it, it gives a pretty good idea as to what went on as it was a 1 week course.

In addition to flying Manfred, had instructions in map reading, troop and artillery spotting, camouflage recognition, bomb dropping, use of compass and telescope, meteorology and photography. Finally, he was taught enough about the airplane’s engine and control system, that in case of a forced landing, he could make emergency repairs sufficient to get into the air again – ‘www. members.tripod.com ’ – richthofen.

Hopes that this gets you somewhere in the ball park.

ttfn

tcrean7828

tom

[rammjaeger]

Hi,

look for "Training in the German Air Force, 1914-1918" in Cross & Cockade No 2 and 3/2003.