Notes on the Interpretation of Aeroplane Photographs (3rd edition) WITH Illustrations to Accompany Notes on the Interpretation of Aeroplane Photographs, Series A ( S. S. 631. A. 1a/42982.A. )
France: Army Printing and Stationary Services 1918. 12 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches. Drab paper boards with plain blue spine and affixed title label. Contains 63 plates (2 non-photographic) plus a list of plates. Photographs reproduced by No 6 Advanced Section, AP. & S. S. WITH 11 page writeup on how to interpret photographs (original printed wrappers) 8 1/4 x 13 inches. Very Good. Boards. [24129]
In World War I, aeroplanes, a new tool of warfare, were first used extensively to take aerial images of battle grounds, upcoming campaign areas, and other useful intelligence sites. The natural result was a new "science" which evolved necessary to interpret these images. The armed forces created a set of standardized symbols to use on aerial photographs, noting things like Machine Guns, Trench Mortars, Concrete Structures, Wire entanglements, and other useful operation data.
This set, marked "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" could be used for training and also interpretation of photographs taken in the field. A review of OCLC/Worldcat notes only a handful of these in institutional collections, with several produced by different branches of the armed services involved in WW1. We find American,. French, British, and Canadian printing of similarly titled works. Whether there are differences or not is an exercise left to the new owner.
Each plate, a silver print, highlights examples of useful features seen from the air. Concrete structures, Haystacks used as O.P.s, Types of Trench Construction, etc. Every wonder what the intelligence servicse spent their days and nights doing? Reviewing these examples and becoming experts on helping the operational forces place and use their resources strategically.
ITEM SOLD