Pilot and observer inside the cockpit of a two-man biplane, in France, during World War I. Holding up the regimental mascot of a pet dog and with big smiles on their faces, a pilot and an observer are pictured before setting out on a journey over enemy lines. Note the old-fashioned flying helmets and goggles that both men are wearing. The machine-gun fixed beside the rear cockpit has a swivel attachment on it, so that it can provide the plane with all-round firepower.
During 'the war to end all wars', an aerial battle between two or more aeroplanes was called a 'dogfight '. At the start of the conflict, fighter planes had two seats, with the pilot sitting in the front cockpit and a gunner-cum-observer occupying the rear cockpit. As the war continued, however, single-pilot aircraft became more prevalent, since these planes were clearly more effective during a 'dogfight'. During a 'dogfight ', pilots used cloud cover as an aerial form of camouflage, and often swooped down on their prey from out of the sun.
[Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. A cheery pilot and observer with their mascot pup ready for a flight over the German lines.']
TheJillWrites, PeterVermaercke, and 49 other people added this photo to their favorites.
TheJillWrites 36 months ago | reply
Gee whiz! Found the National Library of Scotland via the feature on my log in page on Flickr--featured on the Flickr blog! My grandfather was an American military photographer during World War II. I think I have no more words to share now.
B.l.u.e.S.k.y. 36 months ago | reply
Great description about this moment.... Thanks!
Howard33 36 months ago | reply
Guilty of wrecklessly endangering a cute puppy. The poor critter doesn't even have a safety belt, and when that machine gun goes off it is enough to freak any dog.
fulvue 36 months ago | reply
It looks a posed image indeed, cute as it is. The machinegun (I believe a Lewis Gun adapted for aerial use) does not appear to have its characteristic 'pancake' magazine in place. The 'swivel' attachment was called a "Scarfe Ring", and I guess this is also an RE8 observation aircraft rather than a fighter. The observer doubles as a gunner for protection, but they were slow and vulnerable. The RE8 was knick-named the "Hary Tate" after a musichall star of those days.
bad boy? 36 months ago | reply
Great description about this moment.... Thanks!
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Andrea Costa Creative 35 months ago | reply
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le chanoine 17 months ago | reply
Certainly seems to be a RE8. Please don't tell me they took the dog up with them!
Strafemall 11 months ago | reply
They didnt take mascots up with them ...dumb @$$ es . However Manfred (The Red Baron) did take his dog , Moritz , up for a fun flight. The dog seemed to like it as Manfred states however the mechanics did not as Moritz left them a little something :)
Two seater planes were not fazed out by single seaters they both had serperate roles and two seaters were very promonate even at the end of the war.
guidesp 9 months ago | reply
The machinegun (I believe a Lewis Gun adapted for aerial use) does not appear to have its characteristic 'pancake' magazine in place. The 'swivel' attachment was called a "Scarfe Ring", and I guess this is also an RE8 observation aircraft rather than a fighter.
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nimrodtroyte 9 months ago | reply
Get a life. You can't judge peoples' standards 100yrs ago.
Obviously a 'Sopwith Pup'!
mambo1935 8 months ago | reply
Grace!