British Military Aviation in 1914 - Part 1

Part 2

June
A 'Concentration Camp' for Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Squadrons takes place at Netheravon. The programme of the camp included trials and experiments, lectures, discussions and tactical exercises.

28 June
Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria is assassinated in Sarajevo, precipitating a chain of events that led directly to the outbreak of the First World War.

1 July
The Naval Wing of the Royal Flying Corps is reorganised to become the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).

20 July
A Royal review of the Fleet takes at place at Spithead during 18-22 July 1914. As part of the review, a flight of naval aeroplanes manoeuvred over the Fleet, providing the new Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) with its first opportunity to demonstrate the manner in which aircraft could be employed in naval operations. 17 seaplanes and 4 airships also took part in the demonstration.

27 July
The Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) begins to move to a war footing. Royal Naval Air Service seaplanes are urgently mustered at the naval airfields at Eastchurch on the Isle of Grain (and its advanced bases at Westgate and Clacton), Felixstowe and Yarmouth, to be ready to commence coastal patrols in the event of war. Royal Naval Air Service aeroplanes were grouped at Eastchurch, with the exception of three aeroplanes despatched to Felixstowe and one to Yarmouth. Two airships were allotted to Kingsnorth.

28 July
The first United Kingdom aerial torpedo is dropped. The 810 pound Whitehead torpedo is released by Squadron Commander A.M. Longmore from Short seaplane at Calshot.

29 July
Instructions are issued with regard to the war role of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). The Royal Naval Air Service was to be confined to protecting vulnerable points from attacks by hostile aircraft and scouting and patrol duties were to be considered secondary. All aircraft were to be kept ready for action.

1 August
Germany declares war on Russia.

2 August
Germany demands right of passage for her armies through Belgium.

3 August
Germany declares war on France.

4 August
Britain declares war on Germany, with effect from 2300hrs.

5 August
Austria-Hungary declares war on Russia.

8 August
German Army Zeppelins succeed in their first wartime operation over Belgium.

10 August
France declares war on Austria-Hungary.

12 August
Britain declares war on Austria-Hungary.

13-21 August
Following mobilisation the headquarters of the Royal Flying Corps, Nos. 2, 3, 4 and 5 Squadrons and the Aircraft Park are deployed to France.

On August 13, Nos. 2, 3 and 4 Squadrons flew from Dover to Amiens and on the following day, No.5 Squadron flew from Southampton to Boulogne. Subsequently, all of the Royal Flying Corps squadrons were concentrated at Amiens in support the British Expeditionary Force. The flying squadrons were later transferred to Maubeuge aerodrome.

Brigadier-General Sir David Henderson KCB DSO assumes command of the Royal Flying Corps in the field. At this time, the Royal Flying Corps on the Continent mustered some 105 officers, 63 aeroplanes and 95 vehicles.

Part 2