Applied Science 857 



and dived at a fourth aeroplane. Unfortunately two of the other 

 five survivors got above him, and firing from above hit the petrol 

 tank and set his machine on fire. McLeod, scorched by the 

 flames, climbed out of his seat to the left bottom plane and stood 

 there, leaning over to the cockpit to reach the control lever and 

 causing the 'plane to side-slip steeply, thus blowing the flames 

 away from him and his observer. Meanwhile the observer was 

 able to stick to his seat and fire at the enemy, keeping them at 

 bay until the ground was reached. 



Incidents such as these illustrate the value of manoeuvre 

 more than anything else. 



The Man and the Machine 



The psychology of the war pilot is an interesting study, 

 and was closely investigated during the war. It was found that 

 the most successful pilots of single-seater scout fighters are of 

 the impulsive, careless type, willing to run any risk without 

 thought of the danger. Men like this attack a dozen enemy 

 machines single-handed at sight, and rage in the air like mad 

 dogs, biting at everything. They, more than any other type, 

 caused the British pilots to be feared on all fronts. 



The pilot of a two-seater fighter needs to be a little more 

 cautious; he has to think of his observer even if he forgets him- 

 self. When the two work well together they form a wonderful 

 combination. Reconnaissance and artillery pilots are regarded 

 as the brainy members of the Force. Their job is to watch, 

 signal, and draw deductions. Usually they are protected by 

 scouts, but if called upon must be able to look after themselves 

 in aerial combat. 



The remaining type the bomber pilots need great powers 

 of endurance and coolness under shell fire. They have to pilot 

 heavy machines for many hours on end and endure heavy shell 

 and machine-gun fire without flinching, whilst the observer drops 

 his bombs. 



