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Pilot and observer about to set out, Western Front, WW1
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Pilot and observer about to set out, Western Front, WW1
A British pilot and his observer getting instructions through their CO via photographs and maps before setting out for the German lines on the Western Front in France during World War One. Date: circa 1916
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Media ID 14134980
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
Airfield Biplane Instructions Lines Maps Observer Pilot Preparation Preparing
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment of intense preparation and focus before a British pilot and his observer embark on a dangerous mission over the Western Front during World War One. Circa 1916, the scene unfolds at a bustling airfield in France as the pair receive instructions from their commanding officer (CO) through a series of carefully studied photographs and maps. The CO's meticulous planning is evident in the detailed annotations and markings on the maps, as well as the serious expressions of the pilot and observer. The pilot, dressed in his flying gear, carefully examines the maps spread out before him, while his observer, clad in a leather flying helmet and goggles, looks on intently. The biplane they will be flying sits nearby, its engine idling, ready for takeoff. The German lines loom in the distance, a formidable obstacle that the pair must overcome in order to complete their mission. The use of photographs and maps as a means of communication was a crucial aspect of wartime aviation during World War One. With the constant threat of enemy fire and the need for quick decision-making, pilots and observers relied heavily on accurate and up-to-date information to navigate the battlefield and carry out their missions effectively. This powerful image offers a glimpse into the daily life and challenges faced by pilots and observers during the First World War, and serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery and determination displayed by those who served in the skies above the Western Front.
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