Possibly five hundred square miles have been reconnoitred in this
manner. Troops have been massed here, lines of communication
extend somewhere else, while convoys are moving at a third place.
But all has been observed, and the commanding officer is in a
position to re-arrange his forces accordingly. It is a
remarkable example of method in military tactics and strategy,
and conveys a striking idea of the degree to which aerial
operations have been organised.
After due deliberation it is decided that the convoys shall be
raided, or that massed troops shall be thrown into confusion, if
not dispersed. The squadron is ordered to prepare for another
aerial journey. The roads along which the convoys are moving are
indicated upon the map, or the position of the massed troops in
bivouac is similarly shown. The airmen load their machines with
a full charge of bombs. When all is ready the leader ascends,
followed in rapid succession by the other units, and they whirr
through the air in single file. It now becomes a grim game of
follow-my-leader.
The leader detects the convoy, swoops down, suddenly launches his
missiles, and re-ascends.
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