CHAPTER I

BY WAY OF INTRODUCTION

We approach an intensely interesting subject. Indeed, there is the danger that we may be tempted to dwell on thrilling achievements before learning what those achievements really mean. We have all talked freely in the past of airmen and flying; yet how limited has been our knowledge! These pages will not, however, touch ground of a purely technical nature. Matters intricate and involved will be avoided. Harm rather than good might come from trespassing on ground presided over by experts. But there is a middle course: we may learn sufficient to appreciate in a fuller and deeper sense the achievements of our heroic airmen.

Our subject is wide, as wide, indeed, as the heavens. We must needs cover much ground, and must regulate our pace accordingly. Much as we may be tempted to dwell upon this or that branch of the subject, we shall often be compelled to pass on. For this is a book of heroic deeds, and our aim in touching briefly upon the birth and early development of various forms of aircraft will chiefly be with the view of giving a fuller and deeper meaning to the achievements of such men as Lieutenant Robinson, V.C., and Lieutenant Warneford, V.C. Happily there are many such heroes.

‘I was not the only one to go up after the Zeppelin,’ Lieutenant Robinson said in his first public speech. ‘Men have gone up in conditions of almost certain death, and some have met their death in facing the murderers who have come over here. There are men, friends of mine, who have been maimed for life by going up just on the off-chance of strafing them on absolutely impossible nights—misty nights, when it is exceedingly difficult to land, and the ground cannot be seen when you are up. They get into the clouds, lose control of their machines, and crash to earth. These deeds are hundreds of times more heroic than what I did. It was merely my good fortune.’

A brave speech, worthy of a true hero! We shall do well if in the course of these pages we can get into closer touch with men of such stamp.