Biplanes and Bombsights

[Doc2]

Just in case you have not run across it, I'd like to recommend a book-- George K. Williams, "Biplanes and Bombsights (British Bombing in World War I)", Air University Press, Maxwell AFB Alabama USA, 1999.

This is an absolutely outstanding study of the effectiveness of the British Aerial Bombing Campaign against Germany in WWI. It attempts to measure and compare wartime claims against actual results, based heavily on German data, and results from both US and British Intelligence Teams.

Since the aerial doctrine resulting from these bombing raids eventually resulted in the RAF as a separate service, and guided the development of WWII aerial doctrine, this might prove to be a seminal historical work.

Generally, it comes to the conclusion that "results of British bombing efforts were demonstrably more modest, and costs in casualties and wastage far steeper than previously acknowledged".

If you are interested in Number 3 Wing (RNAS), 41 Wing of Eighth Brigade (RFC), and the Independent Force, it is well worth reading.