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1 Offensive operations against enemy machines.

2 Reconnaissance, observation, special missions.

3 Bombing supply centers, railways, etc.

4 Photography.

5 Spotting for the artillery.

6 Signalling for infantry operations.

7 Submarine hunting.

8 Patrol and barrage.

Fig. 1. Curtiss "Baby". Biplane Speed Scout. Equipped with 100 Horsepower Water Cooled Motor.

Probably the most important service of all is performed by machines under heading (1). If a successful offensive can be maintained over the enemy's lines he is unable to intelligently direct his artillery fire, and can obtain no information regarding reinforcements, or troop concentrations for an impending attack. With fighting aeroplanes clearing the way for our own observation machines and artillery spotters, the enemy is not only blinded, but is blocked in any attempt to attack or concentrate his forces. The fact that the French aerial offensive at Verdun was so efficiently and well maintained accounts for the failure of the heavy German artillery. Driven far back over their own lines, the German aviators were seldom able to observe the placing of the shells, and as a result their gunners were practically trusting to luck in reaching their target. An immediate and accurate bombardment always followed one of the very infrequent German air raids over the French lines. Whenever the French, partially abandoned their aerial offensive in favor of a defensive campaign, they soon lost their mastery of the air. As long as enemy machines can be kept back of their own lines, new trench systems can be constructed, transportation lines can be extended and ammunition dumps arranged, undertakings that would be highly precarious with enemy observation machines continually passing overhead.