for the simple
reason that in sighting the rifle or automatic pistol, it is difficult,
if not impossible while aloft, to judge distances accurately, and to
make the correct allowances for windage.

If, however, the dominating aviator is armed with a machine gun he
occupies the superior position, because he can pour a steady hail of
lead upon his enemy. The employment of such a weapon when the contest is
being waged over friendly territory has many drawbacks. Damage is likely
to be inflicted among innocent observers on the earth below; the airman
is likely to bombard his friends. For this very reason promiscuous
firing, in the hope of a lucky shot finding a billet in the hostile
machine, is not practised. Both parties appear to reserve their fire
until they have drawn within what may be described as fighting distance,
otherwise point blank range, which may be anything up to 300 yards.

Some of the battles between the German and the French or British
aeroplanes have been waged with a total disregard of the consequences.
Both realise that one or the other must perish, and each is equally
determined to triumph. It is doubtful whether the animosity between the
opposing forces is manifested anywhere so acutely as in the air. In some
instances the combat has commenced at 300 feet or so above the
earth, and has been fought so desperately, the machines climbing and
endeavouring to outmanoeuvre each other, that an altitude of over 5,000
feet has been attained before they have come to close grips.

The French aviator is nimble, and impetuous: the German aviator is
daring, but slow in thought: the British airman is a master of strategy,
quick in thought, and prepared to risk anything to achieve his end. The
German airman is sent aloft to reconnoitre the enemy and to communicate
his information to his headquarters. That is his assigned duty and he
performs it mechanically, declining to fight, as the welfare of his
colleagues below is considered to be of more vital importance than his
personal superiority in an aerial contest. But if he is cornered he
fights with a terrible and fatalistic desperation.

The bravery of the German airmen is appreciated by the Allies. The
French flying-man, with his traditional love for individual combat,
seeks and keenly enjoys a duel. The British airman regards such a
contest as a mere incident in the round of duty, but willingly accepts
the challenge when it is offered. It is this manifestation of