Dastral of the Flying Corps

Cover art
S.W. PARTRIDGE & CO. 4, 5 & 6, SOHO SQUARE, LONDOND, W.I.
DOWN, DOWN WENT THE BLAZING MASS FOR A COUPLE OF THOUSAND FEET.
MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN First Published 1917 Frequently reprinted
To THE PILOTS, OBSERVERS AND AIR-MECHANICS OF THE ROYAL FLYING CORPS, THIS STORY OF ADVENTURE AND PERIL IS Dedicated
PREFACE
THE GREAT WAR OF 1914 opened the floodgates of hatred between the nations which took part and this stirring story, written when feelings were at their highest, conveys a true impression of the attitude adopted towards our enemies. No epithet was considered too strong for a German and whilst the narrative thus conveys the real atmosphere and conditions under which the tragic event was fought out it should be borne in mind that the animosities engendered by war are now happily a thing of the past. Therefore, the reader, whilst enjoying to the full this thrilling tale, will do well to remember that old enmities have passed away and that we are now reconciled to the Central Powers who were opposed to us.

One crowded hour of glorious life,
Is worth an age without a name.
--SCOTT.
AT the time of which I write, the smoke of battle still filled the air. The freedom of men and nations, the heritage of the ages, hung in the balance, so that even brave men were often filled with doubt and despair.