Eyes All Over the Sky: Aerial Reconnaissance in the First World War by James Streckfuss ISBN: 1612003672
Published by Casemate on July 29, 2016
Genres: Aviation
Pages: 240
This is not only a good book, it’s an important book. Streckfuss argues convincingly that the least-studied segment of WW1 aviation, aerial reconnaissance, was also the most important. The landplanes, seaplanes, and captive balloons devoted to observation turned artillery into a dominant force on the battlefield by extending its range and accuracy to an extent unimaginable in past wars.
Aerial photography conducted by planes and balloons became the most important intelligence source by far for battlefield commanders at all levels. For the first time in history, commanders did not have to wonder what was over the next hill—weather permitting, they had photographs and photo-based maps, some of which were only hours old.
Despite its critical role, aerial reconnaissance aircraft ended up taking a back seat to the fighters and bombers then and since. The mystique of the fighter pilot is well known, but the offensive “air power” of bombers between the wars eclipsed everything.
This well-researched history belongs on the shelf of anyone with a serious interest in the air war or the ground war of 1914-1918.
Reviewed by Steve Suddaby, past president of WW1HA
