The German Flying Machines
IN the course of the War the German flying machines have experienced great changes. That is probably generally known.There is a colossal difference between a giant plane and a chaser plane.
The chaser plane is small, fast, quick at turning. It carries nothing apart from the pilot except machine guns and cartridges.
The giant plane is a colossus. Its only duty is to carry as much weight as possible and it is able to do this owing to the huge surface of its planes. It is worth while to look at the gigantic English plane which landed smoothly on the German side of the front.[47]The giant plane can carry an unbelievable weight. It will easily fly away dragging from three to five tons. Its benzine tanks look as large as railroad cars. In going about in such a colossus one has no longer the sensation that one is flying. One is driving. In going about in a giant plane the direction depends no longer on one's instinct but on the technical instruments which one carries.
A giant plane has a huge number of horse powers. I do not know exactly how many, but they are many thousand. The greaterthe horse power is, the better. It seems not impossible that the day may come when a whole division will be transported in such a thing. In its body one can go for a walk. In one of its corners there is an indescribable something. It contains an apparatus for wireless telephony by means of which one can converse with the people down below. In another corner are hanging the most attractive liver sausages which one can imagine. They are the famous bombs which cause such a fright to the good people down below. At every corner is a gun. The whole thing is a flying fortress, and the planes with their stays and supports look like arcades. I have never been able to feel enthusiasm for these giant barges. I find them horrible, unsportsmanlike, boring and clumsy. I rather like a machine of the type of "le petit rouge."
If one is in a small chaser-plane it is quite immaterial whether one flies on one's back, whether one flies up or down, stands on one's head, etc. One can play any tricks one likes, for in such a machine one can fly likea bird. The only difference is that one does not fly with wings, as does the bird albatros. The thing is, after all, merely a flying engine. I think things will come to this, that we shall be able to buy a flying suit for half-a-crown. One gets into it. On the one end there is a little engine, and a little propeller. You stick your arms into planes and your legs into the tail. Then you will do a few leaps in order to start and away you will go up into the air like a bird.
My dear reader, I hear you laughing at my story. But we do not know yet whether our children will laugh at it. Everyone would have laughed fifty years ago if somebody had spoken about flying above Berlin. I remember the sensation which was caused, when, in 1910, Zeppelin came for the first time to Berlin. Now no Berlin street man looks up into the air when an airship is coming along.
Besides giant planes and little chaser-planes, there are innumerable other types of flying machines and they are of all sizes. Inventiveness has not yet come to an end.Who can tell what machine we shall employ a year hence in order to perforate the atmosphere?
THE END
[1]Russian priest.
[1]Russian priest.
[2]This seems to be a translator's mistake for kilometres, which would mean a little over 40 miles—in itself a sufficiently fine performance.
[2]This seems to be a translator's mistake for kilometres, which would mean a little over 40 miles—in itself a sufficiently fine performance.
[3]The Grossflugzeug, or "G" class of German aeroplane, later given up as a flying machine owing to its slow speed and clumsiness in manoeuvre and used in its later developments for night-bombing only.
[3]The Grossflugzeug, or "G" class of German aeroplane, later given up as a flying machine owing to its slow speed and clumsiness in manoeuvre and used in its later developments for night-bombing only.
[4]This apparently refers to an auto-lock arrangement on the rudder-bar to save the pilot from having the rudder against the engine all the time.
[4]This apparently refers to an auto-lock arrangement on the rudder-bar to save the pilot from having the rudder against the engine all the time.
[5]A literal translation of the German slang, analogous more or less to the British term box-kite.
[5]A literal translation of the German slang, analogous more or less to the British term box-kite.
[6]From this disposition of the air-screws, and from the date of the occurrence, one assumes that this was one of the very earliest twin-engined Gothas, of the type which the R. F. C. nicknamed "Wong-wong," because of the curious noise made by the engines or air-screws when they ran out of step.
[6]From this disposition of the air-screws, and from the date of the occurrence, one assumes that this was one of the very earliest twin-engined Gothas, of the type which the R. F. C. nicknamed "Wong-wong," because of the curious noise made by the engines or air-screws when they ran out of step.
[7]Still another example of slang, indicative of the clumsiness of the Grossflugzeug in the air.
[7]Still another example of slang, indicative of the clumsiness of the Grossflugzeug in the air.
[8]It was also the British custom to ignore—as part of the score—all machines brought down in enemy territory. Later it became permissible to count such victims if their destruction was verified by independent witnesses.
[8]It was also the British custom to ignore—as part of the score—all machines brought down in enemy territory. Later it became permissible to count such victims if their destruction was verified by independent witnesses.
[9]Possibly a very early example of the Riesenflugzeug type, which is the next biggest thing to the Grossflugzeug type, which includes the Gothas, A. E. G.'s, Friedrichshafens, and other of the twin-engined types.
[9]Possibly a very early example of the Riesenflugzeug type, which is the next biggest thing to the Grossflugzeug type, which includes the Gothas, A. E. G.'s, Friedrichshafens, and other of the twin-engined types.
[10]It is not clear whether this refers to a gun pointing upwards, as guns at that time were commonly fitted on the upper plane of the Nieuport, or whether the gun fired through the air-screw. Probably the latter fitting is meant. Later on one reads that he was then flying an Albatros, so it may have been a top gun.
[10]It is not clear whether this refers to a gun pointing upwards, as guns at that time were commonly fitted on the upper plane of the Nieuport, or whether the gun fired through the air-screw. Probably the latter fitting is meant. Later on one reads that he was then flying an Albatros, so it may have been a top gun.
[11]Note.—This book was written after Captain von Richthofen had brought down fifty-two aeroplanes. At the time of his death he was officially credited with eighty victories.
[11]Note.—This book was written after Captain von Richthofen had brought down fifty-two aeroplanes. At the time of his death he was officially credited with eighty victories.
[12]Probably this means a patrol of one or two flights—of four machines each. One does not recall a whole squadron disappearing at once, though one or two squadrons had their whole personnel renewed one or two at a time in the course of a month or so.
[12]Probably this means a patrol of one or two flights—of four machines each. One does not recall a whole squadron disappearing at once, though one or two squadrons had their whole personnel renewed one or two at a time in the course of a month or so.
[13]This is the first reference to the regular "Traveling Circus" idea, in which the whole squadron works as a self-contained unit, with a special train to move its material, stores, spares, and mechanics, from place to place, and also provides living accommodations for the pilots.
[13]This is the first reference to the regular "Traveling Circus" idea, in which the whole squadron works as a self-contained unit, with a special train to move its material, stores, spares, and mechanics, from place to place, and also provides living accommodations for the pilots.
[14]The German C-type machines are the two-seater reconnaissance types. The D-type are the single-seater fighters or "chaser" machines. The G-type are the big three-seater bombers.
[14]The German C-type machines are the two-seater reconnaissance types. The D-type are the single-seater fighters or "chaser" machines. The G-type are the big three-seater bombers.
[15]It is interesting to find a German joking about food scarcity in 1916, exactly as people in England joke about it in 1918. One is able thus to form some idea of the comparative states of the two countries, and to judge how Germany would have fared if the British blockage had been rigidly enforced at the beginning of the war.
[15]It is interesting to find a German joking about food scarcity in 1916, exactly as people in England joke about it in 1918. One is able thus to form some idea of the comparative states of the two countries, and to judge how Germany would have fared if the British blockage had been rigidly enforced at the beginning of the war.
[16]It was 150 horsepower in 1916. By the beginning of 1918 all modern German C-type machines had 260 h.p., and by April, 1918, German biplanes with 500 h.p. in one engine were beginning to appear. In consequence the extreme height (or "ceiling") of a C-type machine had risen from 12,000 feet to 20,000 feet.
[16]It was 150 horsepower in 1916. By the beginning of 1918 all modern German C-type machines had 260 h.p., and by April, 1918, German biplanes with 500 h.p. in one engine were beginning to appear. In consequence the extreme height (or "ceiling") of a C-type machine had risen from 12,000 feet to 20,000 feet.
[17]Attacks on troops on roads by low-flying aeroplanes were not regularly organized acts of war in those days, though such attacks had been made by R. N. A. S. pilots in Belgium in 1914. It is curious that despite the observed effects of the R. N. A. S. attacks, and the experiences of such men as von Richthofen, neither the British nor the German aeronautical authorities ever took the trouble to devote attention to this new method of war. The racial similarity of the two belligerents is marked in this as in other matters.
[17]Attacks on troops on roads by low-flying aeroplanes were not regularly organized acts of war in those days, though such attacks had been made by R. N. A. S. pilots in Belgium in 1914. It is curious that despite the observed effects of the R. N. A. S. attacks, and the experiences of such men as von Richthofen, neither the British nor the German aeronautical authorities ever took the trouble to devote attention to this new method of war. The racial similarity of the two belligerents is marked in this as in other matters.
[18]This locates almost exactly the date of the formation of the first Boelcke Circus.
[18]This locates almost exactly the date of the formation of the first Boelcke Circus.
[19]Cambrai at that time was a long way behind the front, and Bapaume was a more important mark for the British squadrons. So it may not have been worth while for squadrons to go so far afield as Cambrai. Single machines on long reconnaissance visited Cambrai regularly.
[19]Cambrai at that time was a long way behind the front, and Bapaume was a more important mark for the British squadrons. So it may not have been worth while for squadrons to go so far afield as Cambrai. Single machines on long reconnaissance visited Cambrai regularly.
[20]This testimony to the improvement in the aerial equipment of the British Army is well worthy of note.
[20]This testimony to the improvement in the aerial equipment of the British Army is well worthy of note.
[21]This is evidently a junior Immelmann of Boelcke's squadron, and not the famous Immelmann, who was already dead before the Boelcke squadron came into existence.
[21]This is evidently a junior Immelmann of Boelcke's squadron, and not the famous Immelmann, who was already dead before the Boelcke squadron came into existence.
[22]Major Hawker was flying a de Havilland II with a 100 h.p. Monosoupape Gnome engine, a species of "box-kite" single-seater biplane, albeit very fast and handy.
[22]Major Hawker was flying a de Havilland II with a 100 h.p. Monosoupape Gnome engine, a species of "box-kite" single-seater biplane, albeit very fast and handy.
[23]One gathers that this account is substantially correct. The other two British machines who were with Major Hawker became involved with von Richthofen's four followers and with five other German chasers which came into the fight from a higher altitude. These two, after a busy time, fought their way out, while Major Hawker was fighting von Richthofen. The only flaw in the story is that in fact one of the upper German machines dived onto Major Hawker, who, apparently, in avoiding it, came into action with von Richthofen.
[23]One gathers that this account is substantially correct. The other two British machines who were with Major Hawker became involved with von Richthofen's four followers and with five other German chasers which came into the fight from a higher altitude. These two, after a busy time, fought their way out, while Major Hawker was fighting von Richthofen. The only flaw in the story is that in fact one of the upper German machines dived onto Major Hawker, who, apparently, in avoiding it, came into action with von Richthofen.
[24]This incident confirms the impression that the small Albatros biplanes are difficult to land except in a properly prepared aerodrome.
[24]This incident confirms the impression that the small Albatros biplanes are difficult to land except in a properly prepared aerodrome.
[25]Except when faced by pilots in approximately equal numbers and equally mounted. It is interesting here to recall the dictum of General von Hoppner, the chief of the German Flying Service, who said that the English are dangerous opponents and show by their fighting spirit that they are of Germanic race. It will be noticed that von Richthofen repeats the sentiment later on.
[25]Except when faced by pilots in approximately equal numbers and equally mounted. It is interesting here to recall the dictum of General von Hoppner, the chief of the German Flying Service, who said that the English are dangerous opponents and show by their fighting spirit that they are of Germanic race. It will be noticed that von Richthofen repeats the sentiment later on.
[26]The reference is to what are called "tracer" bullets. The hind end of the bullet contains a phosphorous mixture which leaves a trail of smoke and so indicates to the gunner where his bullets are going. If such a bullet penetrates a petrol tank or passes through escaping petrol—due to a perforated tank or a cut petrol-pipe—it sets the petrol on fire, but the prime reason is to trace the course of the shot. The Germans use similar bullets as largely as do the Allies.
[26]The reference is to what are called "tracer" bullets. The hind end of the bullet contains a phosphorous mixture which leaves a trail of smoke and so indicates to the gunner where his bullets are going. If such a bullet penetrates a petrol tank or passes through escaping petrol—due to a perforated tank or a cut petrol-pipe—it sets the petrol on fire, but the prime reason is to trace the course of the shot. The Germans use similar bullets as largely as do the Allies.
[27]This is a mistaken idea, common to many pilots who are not motor engineers. Fire in such cases is caused by petrol or petrol vapor being set alight by a spark from the magneto, which because the air-screw is still revolving continues to generate sparks internally even when switched off. A mere red-hot pipe in an engine would not cause petrol fire.
[27]This is a mistaken idea, common to many pilots who are not motor engineers. Fire in such cases is caused by petrol or petrol vapor being set alight by a spark from the magneto, which because the air-screw is still revolving continues to generate sparks internally even when switched off. A mere red-hot pipe in an engine would not cause petrol fire.
[28]Voss was afterwards shot in a fight by the late Lieut. Rhys-Davids, D. C. O., M. C. In this fight, which is said to have been one of the most gallant actions in the war, Voss was flying a Fokker triplane with a French le Rhone engine, taken out of a captured machine. He was attacked by six British S. E.'s, all faster than he was. His solitary companion, on an Albatros, was shot down at the first onset, but Voss, instead of getting away, as he could have done, stayed and fought the crowd. His manoeuvering and shooting are said to have been wonderful. Every British machine was hit, but none was brought down, and Voss himself finally fell to a direct attack by Rhys-Davids.
[28]Voss was afterwards shot in a fight by the late Lieut. Rhys-Davids, D. C. O., M. C. In this fight, which is said to have been one of the most gallant actions in the war, Voss was flying a Fokker triplane with a French le Rhone engine, taken out of a captured machine. He was attacked by six British S. E.'s, all faster than he was. His solitary companion, on an Albatros, was shot down at the first onset, but Voss, instead of getting away, as he could have done, stayed and fought the crowd. His manoeuvering and shooting are said to have been wonderful. Every British machine was hit, but none was brought down, and Voss himself finally fell to a direct attack by Rhys-Davids.
[29]It is well to note how often von Richthofen refers to the wind being in his favor. A west wind means that while the machines are fighting they are driven steadily over the German lines. Then, if the British machine happens to be inferior in speed or manoeuverability to the German, and is forced down low, the pilot has the choice only of fighting to a finish and being killed, or of landing and being made prisoner. The prevalence of west winds has, for this reason, cost the R. F. C. a very great number of casualties in killed and missing, who, if the fight had occurred over territory held by the British, would merely have landed till the attacking machine had taken itself off. For similar reasons, the fact that the R. F. C. has always been on the offensive, and so has always been flying over the German lines has caused many casualties. Under all the circumstances it is surprising that the R. F. C. casualties have not been a great deal heavier.
[29]It is well to note how often von Richthofen refers to the wind being in his favor. A west wind means that while the machines are fighting they are driven steadily over the German lines. Then, if the British machine happens to be inferior in speed or manoeuverability to the German, and is forced down low, the pilot has the choice only of fighting to a finish and being killed, or of landing and being made prisoner. The prevalence of west winds has, for this reason, cost the R. F. C. a very great number of casualties in killed and missing, who, if the fight had occurred over territory held by the British, would merely have landed till the attacking machine had taken itself off. For similar reasons, the fact that the R. F. C. has always been on the offensive, and so has always been flying over the German lines has caused many casualties. Under all the circumstances it is surprising that the R. F. C. casualties have not been a great deal heavier.
[30]Schäfer was also shot by Lieut. Rhys-Davids, R. F. C., later in 1917.
[30]Schäfer was also shot by Lieut. Rhys-Davids, R. F. C., later in 1917.
[31]It is possible that the figures are correct. Early in 1917, before the advent of the British fighters and de Havillands in quantities, the R. F. C. was having a very bad time. On April 7, for example, it was reported in the G. H. Q. Communiqué that twenty-eight English machines were missing.
[31]It is possible that the figures are correct. Early in 1917, before the advent of the British fighters and de Havillands in quantities, the R. F. C. was having a very bad time. On April 7, for example, it was reported in the G. H. Q. Communiqué that twenty-eight English machines were missing.
[32]This might be a useful hint to some people who like to build repair depots, or big bombing aerodromes, right alongside the sea a few miles behind the firing line, so that they may be easily located after the shortest possible flight by the most inexperienced bombing pilot.
[32]This might be a useful hint to some people who like to build repair depots, or big bombing aerodromes, right alongside the sea a few miles behind the firing line, so that they may be easily located after the shortest possible flight by the most inexperienced bombing pilot.
[33]One assumes that the reference is to the ancient F. E. 2b. "pusher" biplane, which, though produced in 1915, was still used for night bombing up till well on in 1918.
[33]One assumes that the reference is to the ancient F. E. 2b. "pusher" biplane, which, though produced in 1915, was still used for night bombing up till well on in 1918.
[34]This description is typical of what these extraordinary night-flying pilots do with their ancient "flying pianos" night after night, when the weather is reasonable. Von Richthofen's generous admiration is thoroughly well deserved.
[34]This description is typical of what these extraordinary night-flying pilots do with their ancient "flying pianos" night after night, when the weather is reasonable. Von Richthofen's generous admiration is thoroughly well deserved.
[35]One can find no trace of any deliberate attempt to organize an anti-Richthofen Circus in the R. F. C., and therefore one assumes that these were merely three gallant lads on new type Spads who went out deliberately on their own account to look for trouble, and found more than they expected.
[35]One can find no trace of any deliberate attempt to organize an anti-Richthofen Circus in the R. F. C., and therefore one assumes that these were merely three gallant lads on new type Spads who went out deliberately on their own account to look for trouble, and found more than they expected.
[36]This appears to be the first admission that the newer British machines could out-climb the famous Albatros chasers.
[36]This appears to be the first admission that the newer British machines could out-climb the famous Albatros chasers.
[37]The probability is that the British machines being high up, and watching the sky all round, did not notice the little red machines against the dark ground below them for some time.
[37]The probability is that the British machines being high up, and watching the sky all round, did not notice the little red machines against the dark ground below them for some time.
[38]A whole squadron is eighteen machines, divided into three "flights" of six machines each. The word squadron does not, apparently, translate exactly into German.
[38]A whole squadron is eighteen machines, divided into three "flights" of six machines each. The word squadron does not, apparently, translate exactly into German.
[39]Nevertheless, some months after this, a young British pilot was being entertained one evening by his squadron in celebration of his having been awarded the D. S. O., and when called upon for a speech proposed the health of von Richthofen. And the squadron duly honored the toast.
[39]Nevertheless, some months after this, a young British pilot was being entertained one evening by his squadron in celebration of his having been awarded the D. S. O., and when called upon for a speech proposed the health of von Richthofen. And the squadron duly honored the toast.
[40]Probably the fighting to the east of Amiens in March and April, 1918, has demonstrated to the German Army at large that quite a great deal is achieved by this "crawling along the ground." The use of aeroplanes against infantry and cavalry has been developed very greatly since von Richthofen wrote his notes in 1917.
[40]Probably the fighting to the east of Amiens in March and April, 1918, has demonstrated to the German Army at large that quite a great deal is achieved by this "crawling along the ground." The use of aeroplanes against infantry and cavalry has been developed very greatly since von Richthofen wrote his notes in 1917.
[41]Curiously enough there is a very similar legend concerning an aged school machine at one of the British flying schools.
[41]Curiously enough there is a very similar legend concerning an aged school machine at one of the British flying schools.
[42]On two or three occasions pilots have gallantly stuck to their controls and have managed to land safely in blazing machines from fully 1,000 feet. There is a general opinion that it is possible to fit a parachute so that in the event of an aeroplane catching fire the pilot and passenger can quit it at once and descend safely.
[42]On two or three occasions pilots have gallantly stuck to their controls and have managed to land safely in blazing machines from fully 1,000 feet. There is a general opinion that it is possible to fit a parachute so that in the event of an aeroplane catching fire the pilot and passenger can quit it at once and descend safely.
[43]This may be the propagandist editor at work, or it may be a deliberate attempt to mislead, because, as a matter of fact, a man cannot survive long as a fighting pilot unless he is a perfect master of his machine.
[43]This may be the propagandist editor at work, or it may be a deliberate attempt to mislead, because, as a matter of fact, a man cannot survive long as a fighting pilot unless he is a perfect master of his machine.
[44]There is some curious error here, for Captain Ball was not flying a triplane at the time of his death. It seems probable that someone else shot Captain Ball on the same day, and that, as the younger von Richthofen was disabled, and so could not go and identify the wreckage of Captain Ball's machine, the credit was given to von Richthofen in default of anyone else making a claim.
[44]There is some curious error here, for Captain Ball was not flying a triplane at the time of his death. It seems probable that someone else shot Captain Ball on the same day, and that, as the younger von Richthofen was disabled, and so could not go and identify the wreckage of Captain Ball's machine, the credit was given to von Richthofen in default of anyone else making a claim.
[45]This was evidently written some time after von Richthofen's previous disparaging note on Infantry Contact fliers.
[45]This was evidently written some time after von Richthofen's previous disparaging note on Infantry Contact fliers.
[46]This is really a high testimony to the effective work of the R. F. C.
[46]This is really a high testimony to the effective work of the R. F. C.
[47]A Handley Page which landed near Laon early in 1917.
[47]A Handley Page which landed near Laon early in 1917.
Transcriber's Notes:Varied hyphenation on plane names was retained. Frequently, the commas in the original text were moved up half-way to land at the middle of the line instead of the bottom of the line. These were all moved down. The text spaces abbreviations in the text (h. p.) and removes the spaces in the footnotes. (h.p.)Page v, "Shafer" changed to "Schäfer". Word "the" also added to match actual title of chapter. (Schäfer Lands Between the Lines)Page vii, "Shafer" changed to "Schäfer" (Lieut. Schäfer Speaking With)Page 5, "Feldfliegartruppen" changed to "Feldfliegertruppen" (the German Feldfliegertruppen)Page 8, extra single quotation mark removed from the front of ("Wong-wong,")Page 12, "Richtofen" changed to "Richthofen" (fighting, von Richthofen should)Page 19, comma added (first Richthofen, his cousin)Page 20, "Shickfuss" changed to "Schickfuss" (great-grandfather Schickfuss fell)Page 28, period changed to a comma (the breakage, I rode)Page 35, "prisoner. He" changed to "prisoner, he" (prisoner, he told)Page 37, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (first official communiqué.)Page 42, the text for the sub-chapter has 1915 in the date. As two chapters away he is in June 1915, this "21-22nd August, 1915" has been changed to "21-22nd August, 1914" (21-22nd August, 1914)Page 58, repeated word "a" removed from text. Original read (like a a little toy)Page 63, "particularly" changed to "particularity" (rare talent and patricularity)Page 68, repeated line "gradually to a stop and suddenly I was" was deleted the original read:THE German enterprise in Russia camegradually to a stop and suddenly I wasgradually to a stop and suddenly I wastransferred to a large battle-plane at OstendPage 68, footnote, "Grossfleugzeug" changed to "Grossflugzeug" (The Grossflugzeug, or "G" class)Page 69, "siezed" changed to "seized" (seized a hotel on the)Page 70-71, a line from page 45 "imagine the confusion which followed. The" was placed at the bottom of page 70. It was removed. The original read:only a single motor working.[A] When weimagine the confusion which followed. Thewere fairly far out I saw beneath us, notPage 72, "we" changed to "they" (waited until they found it)Page 73, footnote, "analagous" changed to "analogous" (German slang, analogous more)Page 79, footnote, "Grossfleugzeug" changed to "Grossflugzeug" (the Grossflugzeug in the air)Page 84, footnote, "Riesenfleugzeug" changed to "Riesenflugzeug" (example of the Riesenflugzeug)Page 84, footnote, "Grossfleugzeug" changed to "Grossflugzeug" (to the Grossflugzeug type)Page 85, "Doberitz" changed to "Döberitz" (my examinations in Döberitz)Page 87, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (official communiqué of)Page 100, footnote, "reconnaisance" changed to "reconnaissance" (the two-seater reconnaissance)Page 101, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (communiqué. Of course)Page 113, "everyone" changed to "every one" (every one of the other men)Page 114, footnote,"reconnaisance" changed to "reconnaissance" (on long reconnaissance)Page 127, chapter title, "Merite" changed to "Mérite" (Pour le Mérite)Page 128, "Immelman" changed to "Immelmann" (Boelcke and Immelmann were given)Page 135, "wont" changed to "won't" (You won't hit me)Page 140, "Henin-Lietard" changed to "Hénin-Liétard" (road near Hénin-Liétard)Page 140, "Henin-Lietard" changed to "Hénin-Liétard" (motor car to Hénin-Liétard)Page 146, footnote, "cut" changed to "but" (was hit, but none was)Page 147, footote, "Schafer" changed to "Schäfer" (Schäfer was also shot by)Page 154, word "air" added to text after comparison to a different edition of the same book. (a fight in the air)Page 156, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (official communiqué. On)Page 156, footnote, "Havilands" changed to "Havillands" (fighters and de Havillands)Page 156, footnote, "Communique" changed to "Communiqué" (the G. H. Q. Communiqué)Page 159, four lines of repeated text were removed. Original read:which had been started. The aeroplanecaught him up and a beautiful propellerwas smashed to bits. Moritz howledterribly and a measure which I had hithertoomitted was taken. I had alwaysThe aeroplane caught him up and a beautifulpropeller was smashed to bits. Moritzhowled terribly and a measure which I hadhitherto omitted was taken. I had alwaysrefused to have his ears cut. One of hisPage 164, "Everyone" changed to "Every one" (Every one of my officers)Page 167, "Schafer" changed to "Schäfer" (After all, Schäfer was)Page 168, chapter title, "Schafer" changed to "Schäfer" (Schäfer Lands Between the Lines)Page 195, illustration caption, "SCHAFER changed to "SCHÄFER" (LIEUT. SCHÄFER SPEAKING WITH)Page 209, "latter" changed to "former" (The latter shoots)Page 213, "Englihman" changed to "Englishman" (notice an Englishman)Page 216, "Reconnoitering" changed to "Reconnoitering" (and Reconnoitering Machines)
Varied hyphenation on plane names was retained. Frequently, the commas in the original text were moved up half-way to land at the middle of the line instead of the bottom of the line. These were all moved down. The text spaces abbreviations in the text (h. p.) and removes the spaces in the footnotes. (h.p.)
Page v, "Shafer" changed to "Schäfer". Word "the" also added to match actual title of chapter. (Schäfer Lands Between the Lines)
Page vii, "Shafer" changed to "Schäfer" (Lieut. Schäfer Speaking With)
Page 5, "Feldfliegartruppen" changed to "Feldfliegertruppen" (the German Feldfliegertruppen)
Page 8, extra single quotation mark removed from the front of ("Wong-wong,")
Page 12, "Richtofen" changed to "Richthofen" (fighting, von Richthofen should)
Page 19, comma added (first Richthofen, his cousin)
Page 20, "Shickfuss" changed to "Schickfuss" (great-grandfather Schickfuss fell)
Page 28, period changed to a comma (the breakage, I rode)
Page 35, "prisoner. He" changed to "prisoner, he" (prisoner, he told)
Page 37, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (first official communiqué.)
Page 42, the text for the sub-chapter has 1915 in the date. As two chapters away he is in June 1915, this "21-22nd August, 1915" has been changed to "21-22nd August, 1914" (21-22nd August, 1914)
Page 58, repeated word "a" removed from text. Original read (like a a little toy)
Page 63, "particularly" changed to "particularity" (rare talent and patricularity)
Page 68, repeated line "gradually to a stop and suddenly I was" was deleted the original read:
THE German enterprise in Russia camegradually to a stop and suddenly I wasgradually to a stop and suddenly I wastransferred to a large battle-plane at Ostend
Page 68, footnote, "Grossfleugzeug" changed to "Grossflugzeug" (The Grossflugzeug, or "G" class)
Page 69, "siezed" changed to "seized" (seized a hotel on the)
Page 70-71, a line from page 45 "imagine the confusion which followed. The" was placed at the bottom of page 70. It was removed. The original read:
only a single motor working.[A] When weimagine the confusion which followed. Thewere fairly far out I saw beneath us, not
Page 72, "we" changed to "they" (waited until they found it)
Page 73, footnote, "analagous" changed to "analogous" (German slang, analogous more)
Page 79, footnote, "Grossfleugzeug" changed to "Grossflugzeug" (the Grossflugzeug in the air)
Page 84, footnote, "Riesenfleugzeug" changed to "Riesenflugzeug" (example of the Riesenflugzeug)
Page 84, footnote, "Grossfleugzeug" changed to "Grossflugzeug" (to the Grossflugzeug type)
Page 85, "Doberitz" changed to "Döberitz" (my examinations in Döberitz)
Page 87, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (official communiqué of)
Page 100, footnote, "reconnaisance" changed to "reconnaissance" (the two-seater reconnaissance)
Page 101, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (communiqué. Of course)
Page 113, "everyone" changed to "every one" (every one of the other men)
Page 114, footnote,"reconnaisance" changed to "reconnaissance" (on long reconnaissance)
Page 127, chapter title, "Merite" changed to "Mérite" (Pour le Mérite)
Page 128, "Immelman" changed to "Immelmann" (Boelcke and Immelmann were given)
Page 135, "wont" changed to "won't" (You won't hit me)
Page 140, "Henin-Lietard" changed to "Hénin-Liétard" (road near Hénin-Liétard)
Page 140, "Henin-Lietard" changed to "Hénin-Liétard" (motor car to Hénin-Liétard)
Page 146, footnote, "cut" changed to "but" (was hit, but none was)
Page 147, footote, "Schafer" changed to "Schäfer" (Schäfer was also shot by)
Page 154, word "air" added to text after comparison to a different edition of the same book. (a fight in the air)
Page 156, "communique" changed to "communiqué" (official communiqué. On)
Page 156, footnote, "Havilands" changed to "Havillands" (fighters and de Havillands)
Page 156, footnote, "Communique" changed to "Communiqué" (the G. H. Q. Communiqué)
Page 159, four lines of repeated text were removed. Original read:
which had been started. The aeroplanecaught him up and a beautiful propellerwas smashed to bits. Moritz howledterribly and a measure which I had hithertoomitted was taken. I had alwaysThe aeroplane caught him up and a beautifulpropeller was smashed to bits. Moritzhowled terribly and a measure which I hadhitherto omitted was taken. I had alwaysrefused to have his ears cut. One of his
Page 164, "Everyone" changed to "Every one" (Every one of my officers)
Page 167, "Schafer" changed to "Schäfer" (After all, Schäfer was)
Page 168, chapter title, "Schafer" changed to "Schäfer" (Schäfer Lands Between the Lines)
Page 195, illustration caption, "SCHAFER changed to "SCHÄFER" (LIEUT. SCHÄFER SPEAKING WITH)
Page 209, "latter" changed to "former" (The latter shoots)
Page 213, "Englihman" changed to "Englishman" (notice an Englishman)
Page 216, "Reconnoitering" changed to "Reconnoitering" (and Reconnoitering Machines)