The introduction of effective armament did much more then produce the fighter aeroplane - it led to the emergence of the aces, morale boosters for the home front and inspiration for the other pilots. At first these men were individualists - they had to be, for they were the pathfinders. But as their skill grew and was passed on to others, their outstanding light was eclipsed by the 'packs', whose very numbers would overwhelm the peculiar talents of the lone flyers.

This article is located in the History of the First World War Volume 5 (REF D522 .H58 1969 V.5).