German Air Forces 1914–18

The Imperial German Army Air Service of World War I grew from just 500 men in 1914 to 80,000 in 1918, inventing in the process a wholly new form of warfare.The exploits of the first fighter ‘aces’ have been widely celebrated, and have tended to overshadow the other, equally important branches of the fighting air forces – the reconnaissance and ground attack units, the airships and strategic bombers. This concise but fact- packed guide to both the Army and Naval Air Services – their command, organization, strength, training, support services and operations – offers a morebalanced picture, while giving the heroes of the Jagdstaffeln their full due.Uniforms and flying clothing are described in detail, and illustrated with rare photographs and meticulous colour plates.