Previous to the outbreak of hostilities there was considerable
divergence of opinion upon this subject. The general opinion was
that the outspread wings and the stays which constituted the
weakest parts of the structure were most susceptible to gun-fire,
and thus were likely to fail. But practice has proved that it is
the driving mechanism which is the most vulnerable part of the
aeroplane.
This vulnerability of the essential feature of the flying machine
is a decisive weakness, and exposes the aviator to a constant
menace. It may be quite true that less than one bullet in a
thousand may hit the machine, but when the lucky missile does
find its billet its effect is complete. The fact must not be
overlooked that the gunners who work the batteries of
anti-aircraft guns are becommg more and more expert as a result
of practice, so that as time progresses and improved guns for
such duty are rendered available, the work of the aviator is
likely to become more dangerous and difficult. Experience has
proved that the high velocity gun of to-day is able to hurl its
projectile or shell to an extreme height--far greater than was
previously considered possible--so that considerable discretion
has to be exercised by the airman, who literally bears his life
in his hands.
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