Cavalry of the Clouds by John Sweetman
In 1917, David Lloyd George declared that airmen were 'the cavalry of the clouds - the knighthood of this war.' This romantic image was fostered post-war by writers of adventure stories and the stunts of Hollywood filmmakers, and yet it was far from the harsh reality of the life of an airman. From their baptism of fire in 1914 carrying out reconnaissance and experiencing the first dogfights, to the breakthrough in 1918 which claimed heavy casualties, the aerial defenders of Britain were continually tested. In Cavalry of the Clouds John Sweetman describes the development of British air power during the First World War on the Western Front, which culminated in the creation of the first independent air force, the RAF. By making use of the correspondence of airmen and ground staff of all nationalities, he illustrates the impact this new type of conflict had on those involved and their families at home. Extensively researched and handsomely illustrated with contemporary photographs, Cavalry of the Clouds is an essential reference work for any student of military history.
'This is undoubtedly the best brief history of the Royal Flying Corps on the Western FrontBeautifully researched, it has a fine grasp of detail and shows deep understanding of the context in which these young men risked - and so often lost - their lives.' -- Professor Richard Holmes CBE TD
John Sweetman, former head of Defence and International Affairs at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and long-suffering supporter of Portsmouth F.C., is the author of numerous books and articles about the Crimean War including a biography of Lord Raglan.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9780750994798 |
| ISBN 10 | 0750994797 |
| Title | Cavalry of the Clouds |
| Author | John Sweetman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | The History Press Ltd |
| Year published | 2020-06-01 |
| Number of pages | 224 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |