They fought in canvas and wood biplanes that could barely fly 100 MPH. Men
like von Richthofen, Rickenbacker, Bishop, Guynemer, Mannock, Ball, who flew
airplanes with names like Spad, Fokker, Albatros, Nieuport, and Sopwith Camel.
High above the trenches they fought heroic battles with these primitive weapons.
In this era, the top speeds were about 100 MPH. When the pilots ventured ten
miles over the enemy lines, that was a notable event. The pilots carried no
parachutes. The airplanes were made of wood and canvas; when they caught on
fire, it spread quickly, and spelled certain death for the occupants. The press
and public, desperate for propaganda heroes amongst the waste and useless
battles of the trenches, idolized the young heroes. |
