On the other
hand, the British artillery, now having the benefit of aerial
guidance, was able to repay the German onslaughts with interest,
and speedily compelled that elaborate digging-in of the infantry
lines which has now become so characteristic of the opposing
forces.
So far as the British lines are concerned the men in the trenches
keep a sharp look-out for hostile aeroplanes. The moment one is
observed to be advancing, all the men seclude themselves and
maintain their concealment. To do otherwise is to court a raking
artillery outburst. The German aeroplane, detecting the tendency
of the trenches describes in the air the location of the
vulnerable spot and the precise disposition by flying immediately
above the line. Twice the manoeuvre is repeated, the second
movement evidently being in the character of a check upon the
first observation, and in accordance with instructions, whereupon
the Tommies, to quote their own words, "know they are in for it!"
Ere the aeroplane has completed the second manoeuvre the German
guns ring out.
The facility with which artillery fire can be concentrated
through the medium of the aeroplane is amazing.
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