WAR FLYING

This little volume of “Theta’s” letters to hishome people is offered in the hope that itmay prove useful, and not for glory or reward.The Royal Flying Corps in war-time worksin secret. Many of our gallant lads wouldgladly become pilots if they knew how to setto work, and, approximately, what theywould have to face. When “Theta” decidedto try to enter the service he had nothing togo on save a determination to “get there”and a general idea of the difficulty of achievinghis purpose. His careless and unstudiednotes, written at odd moments in the workof training and of war, do show how a public-schoolboymay become a flying officer andhow he may fare thereafter. Names, dates,and places, about which the Censor mighthave concern, have been concealed, and extraneousmatters have been omitted. Theletters are a cheery and light-hearted record,and may stimulate others. From first to lastthey have not contained a grumble.

12It should be understood, however, that theexperiences of the writer must not be takenas typical of those of all pilots at the front.The R.F.C. has different squadrons for differentduties, and different types of machinessuited to the nature of those duties. In thefaster type of machine it is possible to dobetter and more dangerous work, and, even inone’s own squadron, the duties of a colleaguemay have been more onerous and more tryingthan those described. In a fighting squadronthe pilot may have almost daily combats inthe air; in another, he may have very longand very trying reconnaissance work. “Comparedwith that of some squadrons,” writes“Theta,” “our work is pleasant.”

November 26, 1916.

13