"We were at a great altitude when we saw the Baron's much-dreaded circus making for us – all fast scout machines coming at a terrific pace. Although we were outnumbered, the seven British machines put up a stiff fight until one of ours went down in flames and another was forced down as well. My own machine was suddenly attacked from both sides." – Second Lieutenant Albert Vernon Gallie from Llanelli
When the Great War began in 1914 aviation was in its infancy. Airmen took to the skies in wood and linen aircraft that were ill-equipped for the demands of mechanised warfare, and by 1917 the average lifespan of a newly-posted pilot was just three weeks.
Wales contributed pilots, observers and ground crew to the Royal Flying Corps, Royal Navy Air Service and Royal Air Force, and the stories of these men – fighting a war high up in the air where the chances of survival were very slim – are told here for the first time. Their deeds, gallantry and ultimate fates are recounted, as are those of the Welsh "aces" who pitted their skills against those of their famous German counterparts.
