ffect of the bombs. Squadron Commander Briggs taken prisoner. German
alarm and later costly defences. The praise of the Avro. The question of
Swiss neutrality.

The air raid on Cuxhaven, Christmas Day 1914, supported by light
cruisers and destroyers. The purposes of the raid. The supporting force
unmolested in the Bight of Heligoland. Inspected by Zeppelins. Commodore
Tyrwhitt's remarks on Zeppelin tactics. Reconnaissance flight of
seaplane No. 136 over the German navy.

The war in 1914. Increase of British responsibilities, and of the air
force. The temper of the air force. The Epic of Youth.

CHAPTER VIII. The Expansion of the Air Force. pp. 410-89

The squadrons take to France, in August 1914, all efficient pilots, and
all serviceable machines. What was left. Further call for fighting
aeroplanes. The making of the new air force. British mastery of the air
by July 1916.

British power of organization. Early control of military aviation. The
Military Aeronautics Directorate. Sir David Henderson takes command in
France. Major Trenchard and Major Brancker take charge at home.

General Trenchard and the Royal Flying Corps. His previous history.
Given command of the Military Wing at Farnborough, to make something out
of nothing. Helped by Major Brancker, who is appointed Deputy Director
of Military Aeronautics. Previous history of Major Brancker. His flight
as observer during cavalry manoeuvres in India, 1911. Returns to
England, learns to fly, and joins Military Aeronautics Directorate.

Lord Kitchener at the War Office asks for new squadrons. Bold action of
Directorate. Enlistment of mechanics. Agreement with Admiralty for
allotment of machines and engines. The placing of orders. Avoidance of
standardization. Opinion of pilots on their machines liable to error.
Examples--the Sopwith Tabloid and the D.H. 2. Sudden demands of the
war. Machines ordered. New firms employed.

Training scheme for pilots. New aerodromes all over England. Lord
Kitchener's energy. Formation flying. Fifty new squadrons demanded.
Official objections. 'Double this. K.' Good repute of British aviation
for safety, quality, and performance. The architecture of the new air
force. Institution of wings to co-operate with army corps, November
1914. Transfers and promotions. Wings paired to form a brigade. Army
wings and corps wings. Introduction of equipment officers who do not
fly. Race for efficiency in machines. The importance of