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One of our planes over the German lines taking observations
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British reconnaissance plane flying over enemy lines, in France, during World War I. This innovative photograph of a two-man biplane on a flight over enemy lines was taken by the photographer flying in another plane. Both planes would have been travelling at around 100 mph and flying at an altitude of several thousand feet. RAF markings can clearly be seen on the fuselage, wings and tail of the biplane, which looks like a Bristol F-2. ..In addition to carrying out reconnaissance duties and participating in 'dogfights', air raids against ground targets increased as the war dragged on. These bombing raids were mostly aimed at supply dumps, camps and railway stations, though the front line trenches were also an obvious target. As aircraft technology advanced, the greater range allowed to planes meant that civilian targets could also be attacked, with London and Paris both suffering bombing raids...[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. One of our planes over the German lines taking observations. This picture was taken from another machine in flight, thousands of feet high in the air.']..digital.nls.uk/74549012 ( http://digital.nls.uk/74549012 )
World War I (WWI or WW1), also known as the First World War, or the Great War, was a global war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918. World War I Images From National Library of Schotland. These photographs form part of the papers of Field Marshal (Earl) Haig (1861-1928), held by the National Library of Scotland. More information is available from the Library's Digital Archive. Like many World War I generals, Haig remains a controversial figure. The collection contains diaries, papers and photographs from every part of Haig’s career, the Great War diaries being of special importance to historians. Photographs in the "Official Photographs" series (which were destined for publication and have captions on the back describing the image) are in black-and-white. World War I saw the development of a system of 'official’ reporting by professionals especially recruited into the forces. Initially reluctant to allow cameras near the fighting, it took some time for the authorities to appreciate the propaganda and recording potential of photography. These photographs provide us with an invaluable record of how the Government and Military wanted the war perceived. Official photographers were encouraged to record morale-boosting scenes of victory and comradeship. Despite the restrictions placed on them, official war photographers succeeded in giving the most comprehensive visual account of the war. It is important to remember that these images were propaganda; few that could depict the war in a disheartening or disconcerting way passed the censors. As a result the photograph taken was often posed. They were intended to reassure those at home and boost morale. They were printed in newspapers, and were intended to confirm that 'Tommy' was winning the war.
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