Aeroplane Monthly 1990-07
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H.Woodman - The origins of aerial bombardment (8)
The Bristol-Prier monoplane (RFC number 261 is illustrated) may have been the first British aeroplane to take part in a war, for both the Turks and the Bulgarians had them.
The first Greek military aeroplane, a Farman III powered by a 50 h.p. Gnome just out of its packing case and ready for its first flight, on May 13, 1912. Lt Dimitrios Kaberos is the pilot.
One of the rare aviation photographs from the Balkan wars: Maurice Farman type VII (80 h.p. Renault) which, according to the original caption, shows an Epirus Aviation Section machine landing after a raid on Bizani in January 1913.
This picture appeared in an Austrian (Czech language) magazine in mid-1913 with the caption "Fighting Turks and waiting Rumanians" which suggests that it was taken before July 1913. It shows the two-seat Bleriot XXI, known as the "fish-tail", which appeared in this war on both sides. Note the roundels and French officer behind the Rumanian.
A DFW "Mars" biplane flying over San Stafano, probably in September 1912, when two of them were delivered. The German pilot Scherff flew this machine on several reconnaissance and bombing raids over the Chatalja lines near Constantinople. It was probably the first German aeroplane to be involved in a war.
The DFW "Mars" biplane was used as a trainer in Germany until 1915. With its large fuel tank it was capable of long-range flying.
This photograph of the DFW "Mars" shows well the enormous span (56ft) of this Teutonic biplane.
The DFW firm was not slow in exploiting its product, as can be seen here in this advertisement which appeared in the aeronautical Press in May 1913. Scherff is seen at right.
The DFW "Mars" was a sturdy machine with a 100 h.p. Mercedes engine. It was flown for the Turks by German pilots during the Balkan wars.
Monoplane built by Harlan of Johannisthal in 1912 for the Turkish government. Harlans were delivered to San Stafano complete with bomb carriers as shown - the container is holding 10kg bombs. It is doubtful whether the two Harlans ever got off the ground during the conflict.