The conceptual origins of the control of the air : British military and naval aviation, 1911-1918
This thesis examines the conceptual origins of the control of the air in Britain between 1911 and 1918. It concludes that military and naval aviators possessed an innate understanding of the concept, informed by the wider operational and organisational context of their respective parent services. For the Royal Flying Corps, the control of the air was understood in terms of providing auxiliary support to the British Army in the field. For the Royal Naval Air Service, the concept possessed an inherently strategic slant. Pre-war theorising, developed during the First World War, has been the subject of some controversy in the literature. The overtly tactical focus of the Royal Flying Corps and its concept of the control of the air, praised in the first instance, is now widely criticised. In contrast, naval aviators, highlighted as lacking focus and direction, are now hailed as progressive innovators. By examining various facets affecting the conceptual origins of the control of the air, including doctrine, education, and relations with allies, this thesis attempts to reinvigorate the traditional interpretation of military and naval air power in Britain during this period.
Pugh, James Neil
D501 World War I ; DA Great Britain
The conceptual origins of the control of the air : British military and naval aviation, 1911-1918. This thesis examines the conceptual origins of the control of the air in Britain between 1911 and 1918. It concludes that military and naval aviators possessed an innate understanding of the concept, informed by the wider operational and organisational context of their respective parent services. For the Royal Flying Corps, the control of the air was understood in terms of providing auxiliary support to the British Army in the field. For the Royal Naval Air Service, the concept possessed an inherently strategic slant. Pre-war theorising, developed during the First World War, has been the subject of some controversy in the literature. The overtly tactical focus of the Royal Flying Corps and its concept of the control of the air, praised in the first instance, is now widely criticised. In contrast, naval aviators, highlighted as lacking focus and direction, are now hailed as progressive innovators. By examining various facets affecting the conceptual origins of the control of the air, including doctrine, education, and relations with allies, this thesis attempts to reinvigorate the traditional interpretation of military and naval air power in Britain during this period.
conceptual origin control air british_military naval aviation examines conceptual origin control air britain conclude military naval possess innate concept inform wider operational organisational context respective parent service royal corps control air understood_term provide auxiliary support british_army field royal naval air service concept possess inherently strategic pre_war theorising develop first_world_war subject controversy literature overtly tactical focus royal corps concept control air praise first_instance widely criticise contrast naval highlight lacking focus direction progressive examine_various facet affect conceptual origin control air include doctrine education relation ally attempt reinvigorate traditional_interpretation military naval air power britain period