When the aerial craft has been entrusted with the especial duty
of directing artillery-fire, a system of communication between
the aerial observer and the officer in charge of the artillery is
established, conducted, of course, by code. In the British Army,
signalling is both visual and audible. In daylight visual
signalling is carried out by means of coloured flags or streamers
and smoke-signals, while audible communication is effected by
means of a powerful horn working upon the siren principle and
similar to those used by automobiles. Both flags and
sound-signals, however, are restricted owing to the comparatively
short distances over which they can be read with any degree of
accuracy. The smoke-signal therefore appears to be the most
satisfactory and reliable, as the German airmen have proved
conclusively, for the simple reason that the trail of smoke may
be picked up with comparative ease, even at a distance, by means
of field glasses. The tinsel too, is readily distinguishable,
particularly in bright weather, for the glittering surface,
catching the sun-light, acts some what in the manner of a
heliograph.
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