Description
Title: Men and Machines of the Australian Flying Corps 1914 – 1919
Author: Schaedel, Charles
Condition: Very Good Plus
Edition: 1st Edition
Publication Date: 1972
ISBN: 0858800063
Cover: Hard Cover without Dust Jacket – 56 pages
Comments: Gift inscription on the front end page.
The history of the Australian Flying Corps during World War I.
Soon after the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the Australian Flying Corps sent aircraft to assist in capturing German colonies in what is now north-east New Guinea. These colonies surrendered quickly however, before the planes were even unpacked. The first operational flights did not occur until 27 May 1915, when the Mesopotamian Half Flight was called upon to assist the Indian Army in protecting British oil interests in what is now Iraq.
The Corps later saw action in Egypt, Palestine and on the Western Front throughout the remainder of World War I. By the end of the war, four squadrons had seen active service.460 officers and 2,234 other ranks served in the AFC, whilst another 200 men served as aircrew in the British flying services. Casualties included 175 dead, 111 wounded, 6 gassed and 40 captured.
