Cavalry of the Clouds

"Cavalry of the Clouds" by Alan Bott is a recollection of a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, depicting his squadron's operations against German forces on the Western Front. The pilot aims to show the importance of the often overlooked Flying Corps, as well as to highlight the evolution of aviation in modern warfare. The opening details the preparations required by the author before being sent to France, and reflects the emotional and anxiety experienced by pilots that were waiting embarkation. The author shows the reader squadron life, like training, the friendship created among pilots, and their specialized objectives in the air. He sets up the contrast between civilian misconceptions of what air combat entails and the reality of the pilots' work. By including his own story, the author immerses readers in the world of aerial warfare, setting the stage for future episodes of conflict.