The latest journal of Cross & Cockade International – Winter 2017 Vol 48/4 , features a postcard by G. Hautot showing the Michelin Man, waving a laurel victory wreath at an aerial armada, with the caption, “Our future is in the air.” The postcard was a promotion for the concept of strategic bombing, a “cause” advocated by the Michelin brothers, Andre and Edouard. The year was 1912 and the Michelins organized a series of aviation competitions which included the accurate dropping of bombs. An interesting point to note is that the in the Journal notes about the cover, the Michelin Man is named, that name being, “Bibendum”, a fact of which I nave been unaware since early childhood. Five other postcards in the same series as the that found on the cover of the Journal, appear on the back cover.

Cross & Cockade International is a non-profit UK based group known as the First World War Aviation Historical Society that publishes their journal four times a year. They also provide a free newsletter. Those interested in the newsletter can sign up of the C&CI website.

The “lead” article, by Colin Owers, is a detailed account of the Curtiss Model T Tri-Winged Flying Boat. Just 11 years after the Wright Brothers first flew at Kittyhawk, the Curtiss Model T featured three wings, with the longest wingspan being not much shorter than the Wright’s first flight attempt. Four engines powered this behemoth. Eight B&W images accompany this article and are of high quality.

Paul Leaman contributes Part 4 of “Captured Berman Aircraft”. This article is supported by 28 B&W photos. Information about the aircraft in the photos includes such details as the location of the aircraft at the time the photo was taken, a description of various markings on the aircraft, and some historical data about the pilot or occupants of the captured machine.

Lorne Bohn’s article, “Notable Influences in the Marketing of Early Fixed Wing Aviation”, addresses the advances made by early aviation innovators, and the political, military, legal, and technological issues that impacted the development of aviation. The article addresses how innovative ideas are supported by the simultaneous development of practical and economic circumstances that support the innovations in early aviation.

Mike O’Connor and Ray Vann present, “Indian Wings – the RFC & RAF in India 1915-1919”. An amazingly detailed and moving account of the military and political problems that the British had to face from 1915-1919, this account drives home those issues that impact countries that are held as “world leaders” in any era. The stage having been set in the opening paragraphs, the authors approach this piece in chronological sequence, one year following the next, and also historically, by highlighting the squadrons and personnel involved in this tumultuous time period. Photographs of those persons involved, and of the aircraft and air bases of the time provide excellent documentation and support to the written word. A very detailed list of aircraft, by serial number and type is included. Also included is a “Nominal Roll of RFC/RAF Officers in India, 1915-1919”.

Stewart K. Taylor’s article is entitled, “Captain Arthur Claydon DFC – 5 Months At the Front on DH5s, Then 3 on SE5s. The article follows the day-to day activities and adventures of Captain Claydon. Documented by excerpts from a diary of one of Claydon’s fellow Canadians, we get a view of the daily life of these aviators during their Flight Training days. Squad drills in the rain; lunch in the rain, signaling training in the rain, and lectures on engines in the rain. It appears that it was the rainy season. As one works through this article one gets a sense of the daily grind, the immense fatigue that was felt by all, the danger that was present on every mission, and the ever-present fact that failure, lack of experience, or other factors often resulted in death.

Paul R. Hare contributes an article entitled, “Royal Aircraft Factory FE4-Multi Role Combat Aircraft”. Hare’s article traces the development, deployment, and use of the FE4. As Hare points out, the FE4 “has the dubious distinction of taking loner, from conception to completion, and of being lsits as “in progress” more often in official documents, than any contemporary design.” Not a positive beginning for the FE4. At one point, the “roles” that the FE4 was seen to be designed to fulfill were ground attack, as a short-range bomber, and as a long-range bomber.

Joe Moran provides some coverage of new kit releases with two build reviews of the Mark 1 models Zeppelin P & Q Class machine in 1/720 scale. Following the kit reviews the “Bookshelf” listing features a short summary of several publications recently put on the market.

Contents

• Curtiss Model T: Colin Owers, p 243
• Captured German Aircraft, Part 4 Paul Leaman, p 249
• Notable Influences in the Marketing of Early Fixed Wing Aircraft: Lorne Bohn, p 259
• Indian Wings: The RFC and RAF in India, 1915-1919: Mike O’Conner & Ray Vann, p 264
• Captain Arthur Claydon DRC: 5 Months at the Front on DH5s, then 3 on SEs: Stewart K. Taylor, p 286
• Royal Aircraft Factory FE4: Multi-Role Combat Aircraft: Paul R. Hare, p 310

Departments

• Fabric: Queries and Feedback: compiled by Mick Davis, p 314
• Modelling: New Releases and Kit Reviews: compiled by Joe Moran, p 317
• Bookshelf: Reviews of books received, p 319

This publication is highly recommended due to the high quality of images, in depth and documented articles, and coverage of a wide variety of related topics. If you are into early / WWI aviation; this journal is an incredible source of information that will have you on the edge of your seat for the next issue. Thanks to Cross & Cockade International and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great issue.

Several pages in this issue can be viewed online as pdf files by going to:

https://www.crossandcockade.com/