Death was their co-pilot: aces of the skies

Introduction: The beginnings of military aviatioon -- 1. The first aces -- 2. What is an ace? -- 3. Jagd-Staffel, Escadrilles and Squadrons -- 4. Organisation and operations -- 5. The heroes of the nation -- 6. Everyday life at the squadron -- 7. Knights of the air -- 8. Fighter pilots on all fronts -- 9. Hunters and fighters -- 10. Those of whom too much was asked, and the unfortunates -- 11. Development of the fighter aircraft -- 12. The end.;It was in the First World War that the skies first became a battlefield, with nations seeking to decide military outcomes off the ground. This volume introduces the fighter pilots of World War I, including the infamous 'Red Baron' Manfred von Richthofen. In addition to this iconic flying ace, the author presents the thrilling biographies of numerous others and recounts their exploits and the tragedies they suffered. Likewise, the book illustrates the Great War's historical background and documents the increasing sophistication of aviation technology and warfare.