In such circumstances the transport officer will be a busy man. In his
hands, also, will lie the work of bringing up the supplies of petrol and
oil which the aeroplanes will need.
The French organisation already strives to be as perfect as is possible,
seeing that active service conditions are yet to be encountered. Motor
waggons are provided for the transport of aeroplanes. Other, and slower
waggons, bring up portable hangars. Then come heavier lorries carrying
spare parts, and similar equipment. Bringing up the rear are motor
waggons in the form of portable workshops.
The mere detailing of any such scheme as that outlined above, affords an
indication of the necessity for perfect organisation in the use of war
aeroplanes.
With machines improperly employed, with airmen carelessly instructed,
and with repair-depots badly equipped, no nation can hope to make a
success of its air service.
The determination of France, in this regard, is beyond all praise.
Aeroplanes are being allocated to frontier forts. Practical discussions
are taking place, frequently, at the Ministry of War. It is intended to
establish an annual overhaul of war aeroplanes, so that obsolete
machines may be removed from the active list, and relegated to the
flying schools.
In all this, France is finding things out for herself. She has no
precedent to guide her. This makes the work she has already accomplished
all the more valuable. How far advanced the French air service is, and
how admirably arranged is its scheme of operation, only the practical
work of war will reveal.
II. Value of air-stations—Selection of landing-grounds—Preparing
air-maps.
A very important feature of the organisation of an air-corps, especially
in times of peace, is the permanent air-station. Here one finds
machines, men, and the whole equipment of military aviation work. Of
such stations, France now possesses quite a number.
An essential of such an air-station is a good manoeuvring ground for
aeroplanes. Then comes the need to erect a number of sheds for the
machines.
Also necessary is a completely-equipped repair-shop, in which damages,
generally brought about by experimenting with machines, may be repaired.
At one or two of the chief French air-stations, the equipment is so
complete that there are commodious shops for the building of aeroplanes,
in addition to any repair work undertaken.
Another and very important feature of a well-organised air-station is
the school for military pupils, under the charge of an officer of
experience.
Another detail of aerial organisation, regarding which both France and
Germany are concerning themselves, is the selection of a number of
landing-places for aeroplanes, preferably in the vicinity of large
towns. Military authorities in France are enlisting municipal aid in
this matter.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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