The use of aerial reconnaissance

Source 1

Aerial photograph showing trench systems. (DUL ref: Lowe Papers, File A1)

Source 2

Aerial photograph marked with a number of annotations. (DUL ref: Lowe papers, File A1)

Extract from a report focusing on the use of aerial photographs. (DUL ref: Lowe Papers, file A1)

The aircraft industry was still only in its infancy when the First World War broke out but planes still played a major part in the war. Although they were occasionally used for bombing, their most useful role was probably reconnaissance.

Take a close look at the following sources before answering the questions below. Enlarged versions and a transcript of source 3 are available.

1. Look at sources 1 and 2. What features can you seen on the photographs?

2. What kind of information has been added to the photographs?

3. Now read source 3. Who does the author think should get a copy of any aerial photographs? Why would these people might find the photographs useful?

4. Do you think that the photographs could be used on their own would the officer need more information?

5. How useful were aerial photographs and what impact did they have on the First World War?

Finished? Move on to the next source to find out more about developments in artillery techniques.