In the late 19th century, aviation was dismissed by some military personnel as a waste of time. But, by 1912 the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) had been formed, combining the Air Battalion of the royal Engineers and the Naval Air Organization. Two years later, just one month before the outbreak of World War I, the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) was created as an independent unit. This work explores the contributions made by the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service during World War I in this highly illustrated text. As well as the aircraft, a numerous array of other subjects is covered, including organization, pay, rank, uniforms, motor vehicles, the women's branches, attitudes, and even songs popular in the mess.