Telling tales of bravery above the battle zones of World War I, this book shows how early pilots managed to fly supply, reconnaissance, offensive and defensive missions. To drop bombs was as hazardous to the bomber as it was to the recipient, mid-air dog-fights could quickly end in tragedy, forced landings were common, radar was non-existent, and mid-air refuelling several decades in the future. In graphic terms, and telling several wholly new accounts of primitive military aviation events, the book describes real-life stories of courage and skill. All theatres of war and air forces are included, and technical detail is interwoven with the narrative.