THE ROLE OF AVIATION IN THE AIR DEFENSE OF GREAT BRITAIN DURING WORLD WAR I

Abstract

The article is dedicated to analyzing the role of British aviation in the air defense of Great Britain during World War I. During this period, Britain faced a new threat – massive air raids by German military airships and bombers, which caused severe destruction and panic among the population. The lack of experience in countering aerial threats posed a significant challenge to British aviation units at the beginning of the war. The Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) encountered numerous difficulties, including technical limitations and adverse weather conditions, which initially hindered their ability to effectively intercept and destroy enemy air targets. The article examines how British aviation adapted its tactics and technologies to counter German air attacks, particularly through the development of early warning systems and night interceptions. It describes the improvement of British fighter aircraft, notably the B.E.2c model, and its adaptation for night operations against German bombers. Special attention is given to the formation of the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1918, which significantly improved the management and coordination of the country's air defense. The author analyzes the impact of these measures on reducing the effectiveness of German air raids and on the development of military aviation in the following years. The article also explores the successful operations of individual British pilots who managed to shoot down German Zeppelins and bombers, as well as the role of specialized squadrons in patrolling the night skies. The article highlights the importance of the World War I experience for the future development of British military aviation and the organization of air defense in the 20th century. The work also sheds light on the cooperation between ground-based air defense forces and aviation, which played a key role in protecting strategic targets such as factories, ports, and infrastructure. A significant milestone was the organization of the London Air Defence Area, which integrated anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, and interceptor aircraft for better coordination. The author notes that through the implementation of new technologies, such as radio communication, British aviation achieved significant success in reducing civilian casualties and destroying enemy bombers.