Context

Question 1

When was the RFC and the RNAS established

Answer 1

Royal Flying Corps April 1912 and the Royal Navy Air Service June 1914

Question 2

Explain initial thoughts on aircraft

Answer 2

Solely intended for reconnaissance and communication, not planned to have weaponry. Aircraft was still a novelty, as the Wright Brothers had only flown their plane in 1903.
Initially relied on balloons as they were easier and safer
French general Ferdinand Foch declared that planes had no military value

Question 3

David Henderson

Answer 3

1st leader of the RFC

Question 4

Hugh Trenchard

Answer 4

Commander of the RFC, ‘Father’ of the RAF.
4 Objectives for aerial superiority
- Performing reconnaissance
- Denying enemy reconnaissance
- Attack and engage the enemy (Dogfighting and strategic bombing)
- Restore and maintain morale

Question 5

Why was being a pilot so dangerous and considered brave

Answer 5

11 day life expectancy. Still trialing designs and Britain especially were disadvantaged.
There were no firefighting or medical services at airfields, so if they crashed it was almost guaranteed death.
Lack of knowledge and training since it was a new idea.
The enemy’s ground to air defense made it so dangerous.
Men would die in training

Question 6

Aces

Answer 6

• At least 5 confirmed kills
• Engineering background would be very helpful.
• Often young and carefree, lacking discipline
• Needed good reflexes and communication

Question 7

How did Britain eventually achieve aerial supremacy

Answer 7

Naval blockade preventing Germany from trade that would help them develop planes