France, like Germany, was somewhat dilatory, but this was
attributable rather to the time occupied in the mobilisation of
the Fourth Arm than to lack of energy. There were a round 1,500
aeroplanes ostensibly ready for service, in addition to some 26
dirigibles. But the fleet was somewhat scattered, while many of
the craft were not immediately available, being in the shops or
in dock for repairs and overhaul. During the period of
mobilisation the so-called standing military force was augmented
by about 500 machines which were acquired from private owners.
The aeroplane factories were also, overhauled and re-organised so
as to be in a position to remedy the inevitable wastage, but
these organisation efforts were somewhat handicapped by the
shortage of labour arising from the call to arms. France,
moreover, imperilled her aerial strength by forbidding the use of
558 machines which were ready for service.
Germany's aerial fleet was of similar proportions to that of her
Gallic neighbour, but curiously enough, and in strange contrast,
there appeared to be a lack of readiness in this ramification of
the Teuton war machine.
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