This is my first post on this forum. I have written articles on Air/Tank co-operation in WW1, but I am still seeking further information. During July 1918, 8 Sqn. RAF was undertaking a series of trials with the Tank Corps, trying out various means of communications. 'C' Flt. of the squadron was working with the 5th Tank Brigade on the use of the Camera Obscura fitted to a tank to view the aeroplane signalling above. The Camera Obscura Lens poked through a hole in the tank's roof with the lens fitted to a universal joint, the image projected onto a piece of paper inside the tank. There were several tests reported in 8 Sqn's 'Weekly Reports'. The one on 12.7.18 states:
"I tested the Camera Obscura Lens with its Universal Joint. There seem to be very great possibilities of using this successfully. The machine was quite clear enough to read the discs up to 1500', but it would have been difficult at 2000'.
The lens being used today was a 20" lens, and I am sending down a 12" and an 8" lens, which I think we may be able to work with better results."
The mention of 'discs' relates to arms with discs on fitted to the aeroplane that could convey information to the tank crew.
On the 25.7.18 Lt. Col. Fuller decided it was impracticable, stating that:
"1. It takes up too much room.
2. It would absorb more time than could possibly be spared during a battle, since one has to look at it all the time to wait for the machine to come over."
It appears he did not come up with any solutions himself.
I have had contact with David Fletcher over this and he indicated that no photos of this have turned up. So has anyone seen photos or drawings of the equipment in the tank or know of any account from tank personnel involved?
I have had an article published, in two parts, on Tank Contact Patrols in 'Cross & Cockade International' Journal, Winter 2009 and Spring 2010 editions. Since then I have gathered more information.
The 8 Sqn. 'Weekly Reports' (from UK National Archives) for July cover a series of 'communication' trials and experiments, most of which were taken over by 8 Sqn. from other RFC/RAF squadrons that had been working with the Tank Corps. The experiments not only included the 'Camera Obscura' and aeroplanes equipped with 'discs' but also Wireless Telephony (voice radio), use of pyrotechnic signalling, by tank and aircraft, also the use of the 'out of action' flag by the tank.
Earlier experiments included the effect of air attack on tanks and tank markings (recognition markings that resulted in the 'white/red/white', after trials, and individual tank markings). Various other problems arose during the rest of 1918 that were discussed at air/tank conferences and the increasing need for aeroplanes to deal with anti-tank guns led to 73 Sqn. (Camels) to join 8 Sqn. (FK.8) in tank co-operation.
All this work followed on from the RFC/RAF's co-operation tasks with Infantry and Cavalry.
If anyone is interested I will go into more detail.
It's very interesting indeed. I have come across some papers on the subject of air/tank co-operation at the National Archives, Kew, though in Tank Corps papers rather than RFC/RAF. I have not however seen mention of the camera obscura idea. Any idea which tank units were involved in these trials?
'C' Flt. of 8 Sqn. undertook tests with the Camera Obscura that was fitted to a 5th Tank Brigade Tank on; 09.07.18 - due to rain no test carried out although general Courage decided that he would come and see tests. 10.07.18 (without universal joint), 12.7.18 - 20" lens in universal joint. 16.07.18 - 8 1/2" lens in UJ (Mk. V Tank). 19.07.18 - 8 1/2" lens (a/c had engine failure so tests abandoned). 25.07.18 - Fuller decides against idea. They had bad weather throughout trials although the aircraft was viewed with success to some extent during these trials. If you do see anything in Tank Corps records I would be interested.
Examples of other trails carried out by 'C' Flt. with the 5th Tank Brigade are on the 1.7.18 when:
"...a practice was carried out for indicating strong points to advancing tanks by means of smoke bombs. This was found to be too inaccurate owing to the lightness of the type of smoke bomb being used."
also on the 2.7.18:
"...a test was made for locating tanks out of action. Several tests were made with red and yellow flags placed in different positions. It was decided that the best position for locating the flag was for the flag to be flown on the front of the tank."
On the latter trial, it appears the flag was not a total success on operations on the 4th July 1918. Other flights of 8 Sqn. were involved in various trials with other tank brigades at the same time.
Thank you. I'll try to go through my notes over the next few days to see whether I've noticed any references. BTW, am I right in thinking that Leigh Mallory was involved in this, somewhere?
Leigh-Mallory was OC 8 Sqn. and literally 'wrote the book' on Air/Tank Co-operation, drafts of 'his' 'Co-operation of Aeroplanes with Tanks' was being looked at by HQ RAF and the Tank Corps at the end of July 1918. The attached is the drawing of the 'Discs' attached to the aircraft for communicating with tanks from this document.
Mike
-- Edited by MikeMeech on Saturday 12th of October 2013 10:08:26 AM
Before 8 Sqn. became involved in tank co-operation other experiments and trials were being undertaken. There were a series of trials carried out at Fricourt on Thursday the 28th February 1918. These trials were mainly on the effect of air attack on tanks, however, one part was trying out recognition markings for 'friendly' tanks. We know the white/red/white was used in battle but other markings were tried out beforehand. On the 28th tanks were marked with:
1. A white square on the 'cab'.
2. An ordinary aeroplane marking on the 'cab'.
3. A white square with black centre on the 'cab'.
The aeroplanes in the trial flew at heights between 200 and 1000 ft. and found little to choose between the three markings, although the white square with black centre was the most conspicuous of the three. However, the markings were not satisfactory. Further trials were undertaken by 46 sqn. and the Tank Corps on the 6th March 1918, this resulted in the white/red/white marking being chosen, the letter on the trial is below:
