Aeronautics; Aeronautics, Military; World War, 1914-1918 -- Aerial operations
Usually it is some important munition base or factory center that is
supplying the German troops, which the airmen set out to bomb. They
travel in squadrons not only for safety, but because in this way an
almost unlimited number of bombs can be carried and dropped
simultaneously. Often a second squadron follows the first at a short
distance. By the light of the terrible fires that the first set of
explosives dropped are bound to start, this second squadron can drop its
bombs with greater precision directly on important buildings that must
be destroyed.
Moving slowly under their great load of explosives, and flying low,
these two squadrons of destroyers start for some point in the heart of
the German Empire. Like ghosts they "feel their way" mile after mile.
They are not anxious to invite detection, for under the great weight of
their "messages" to Germany, they would not be able to maneuver quickly
or to climb to safety.
Once those tons of explosives have been released and the noise of their
dreadful havoc has aroused the anti-aircraft gunners of the enemy, those
bombing planes will find the earth an uninviting sort of region and they
will be glad to spring into the protecting silence and darkness of the
upper air. And this they can do easily, for, rid of their load, they
possess unusual climbing powers. The second squadron of bombers, flying
over the same territory may expect a warm reception, and they will need
to do their work quickly and beat a hasty retreat.
Such are the mysterious doings of the night. When the early dawn
appears, gray and heavy eyed, it will find the bombing planes tucked
away drowsily in their hangars, scarcely knowing themselves whether the
journey up the Rhine was a reality or merely a terrifying dream.
And with the dawn their daylight sisters will take up the work near
home. Word has just come that enemy reinforcements are moving up to the
front along certain roads. "Fine," sings out a young lieutenant,
appearing unexpectedly on the field from a small, carefully camouflaged
office. "We will make them dance for us this morning!" He talks quickly
and determinedly with a group of pilots, giving instructions, charging
all to keep the formation. Machines are gone over to make sure that
everything is in perfect condition. Then the first bombing plane,
bearing the flight leader, "taxis" across the field, appearing to
stagger under its great burden. Suddenly it takes to the air, and like a
large graceful bird, its clumsiness all gone, it soars up into the blue.
Rapidly the other big birds follow suit, and at a signal they are off,
the flight commander heading the group, and the others following in
close formation, like a huge flock of wild geese.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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