Notes and Orders for Officers Anti-Aircraft Corps of the Royal Naval Air Service (London Division) 1915

Written at the outset of the Great War in 1914, this volume is of great interest as it shows how the Royal Naval Air Service were acutely aware of the power and potential of the aeroplane to inflict damage, death and destruction from the skies. It issues clear instructions – “Officers should clearly understand that every order contained herein is to be carried out” – on the siting of anti-aircraft posts on ships, orders for ratings manning searchlights – and notes on the lights themselves -, gunnery, notes on aerial attack; ammunition, and drill for ‘pom-pom’ guns and for 3- and 6-pdr Hotchkiss guns. A facsimile of the War Office’s own copy, this is a vital volume for anyone interested in the early days of naval aviation and aerial attacks and defence.