Motor transport being carefully considered, the original orders proved practically sufficient for all needs, and there was purchased only about one half of the equipment officially authorized. Had not the units at Beamsville and Hamilton been organized, the provision made early in 1917 would have proved sufficient. In the supply of aeroplane spares, the excellent service rendered by the repair sections of the various flying units in making broken parts serviceable, steadily reduced the monthly proportional outlay.
It is not possible in the scope of a page to go into the innumerable details, the solution of which rested with the A.E. branch. Sufficient funds were of course available, and an admirable coöperation with the Aviation Department of the I.M.B. always saved the situation—even sometimes at the last moment—but the difficulties overcome were very serious, and there were times when the imperative demands of the flying wings seemed almost impossible to satisfy. Added to this, there was increased difficulty in securing supplies after the United States entered the war and placed embargoes on many classes of goods. In spite of all, however, flying was never practically affected by any lack of material.
Since it is desired only to give an outline of headquarters duties, it is asked that the diagram on [page 71] be referred to. The various subdivisions were found to be satisfactory and workable, and to reflect with accuracy those administrative needs on the fulfillment of which depended both the progress of the unit with its co-related branches, and the quality of the pilots it was privileged to turn out.
GERMAN AERODROME, WESTERN FRONT.
BARRIE, ONTARIO.