Overview

Air power has come to be seen as a country's first line of defence; in the First World War views were vastly different. Aircraft were a novelty not always welcomed by the traditionalist military, and there were no tactics, doctrine or strategies available for the deployment of air power. Yet, within four years, proponents of the new force were making claims, often extravagant, of what aircraft could achieve. Here Robert Grattan traces the remarkable history of the emergence of air power as a force to reckon with, and its dramatic impact on military strategy. He discusses the details of aircrafts, their engines and manufacture - including the Fokker, Bristol Fighter, the Zeppelin and the DH2 - the weaponry and prominent figures, such as Albert Ball and Werner Voss. ""The First Air War"" is indispensable for military historians, aviation and military enthusiasts as well as those interested in strategy.

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9781845118099

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Reviews

'Many books have been written about the war in the air in World War I. This synthesis of British air strategy by Robert Grattan adds to and distills existing scholarship, not just by tracing the origins and evolution of air strategy but by placing it in the context of broader business principles. He meticulously supports his thesis from well chosen contemporary military sources and civilian management authorities, which will engage the interest of both the military aviation enthusiast and the student of business strategies.' - Air Vice-Marshal Professor A.R. Mason, author of 'Air Power: A Centennial Appraisal' and 'To Inherit the Skies from Spitfire to Tornado: Britain's Air Defence Today'; 'In this monograph, Group Captain Dr Robert Grattan combines beautifully a real understanding of the best thinking on strategy formulation from both military and business sources, with a deep understanding of military aviation which reflects his depth of experience as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force. ... 'The Origins of Air War' gives us a balanced, thoughtful, and highly insightful understanding of emergent strategy in aerial warfare in the Great War of 1914-18. Dr Grattan shows clearly how emergent strategy, built from the top by planners who demanded facts blended with thinking, especially intuitive thinking, could only come from combat experience - from those actually doing the fighting. ... I found the book fascinating and the writing to be clear, well researched and highly sophisticated in its blend of theory and practice. Dr Grattan has made a most significant contribution to military strategy, the history of air combat and the history of World War One. ... This book is timely and will surely lead to a resurgence in studies of the development and importance of air power in World War One.' - Professor Ian Gow, Executive Dean, Bristol Business School and Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England

Author Information

Robert F. Grattan served for thirty years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of group captain. He flew as a navigator and also taught at the Royal Air Force Staff College. After ten years in the electronics industry, he became a visiting lecturer in the School of International and Strategic Management at the University of the West of England, Bristol, where he is currently a Visiting Research Fellow.

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