This talk destroys many myths about WW1 fighter development. Part talk, part detective story, it explains how the importance of air superiority was understood long before the Great War began, explores how naval influence delayed the development of dogfighters like the Camel and SE5a and tracks down the mysterious Fighting Experimental dreadnoughts that the RFC wanted to use instead. Based on themes in the speaker's book Blueprint for Victory.
The speaker has been researching the history of British and French air forces for over forty years, with a focus on how air power evolved in both countries. His books include: The history of British military aviation: Vol 1 (1900-1918) Blueprint for Victory; Vol 2 (1918- 1938) The Rise of the Bomber; Vol 3 (1938-1940) The RAF in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain; Vol 4, (1940-1941) RAF on the Offensive. Also The Fairey Battle and The Rise and Fall of the French Air Force. Articles in RAF Air Power Review, Air Britain's Aeromilitaria and The Aviation Historian
Images from the speaker's collection showing Sopwith Pup and Bristol TTA representing a 'dogfighter' and a 'dreadnought'