Air and Sea Power in World War I

The Great War tore the fabric of Europe apart, killing over 35 million men and challenging the notion of heroism in war. Air and Sea Power in World War I focuses on the experience of World War I from the perspective of British pilots and sailors themselves, to demonstrate that the army-centric view of war studies has been too limited. The Royal Flying Corps, created in 1912, adapted quickly to the needs of modern warfare, driven by the enthusiasm of its men. In contrast, the lack of modernization in the Royal Navy, despite the unveiling of HMS Dreadnought in 1906, undermined Britain's dominance of the seas. By considering five key aspects of the war experience, this book analyses how motivation was created and sustained. Featuring new primary source material, including the journals of servicemen themselves, this book will be essential reading for students and scholars of World War I and of Naval, Aviation and Military History.