Cavalry of the Clouds

by Alan Bott

"Cavalry of the Clouds" by Alan Bott is a military aviation memoir written in the early 20th century. The book recounts the experiences of the author as a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, specifically focusing on the operations of his squadron against German forces in the Western Front. Bott aims to shed light on the often-overlooked role and challenges faced by the Flying Corps, as well as to highlight the evolution and importance of aviation in modern warfare. The opening of the memoir details the lengthy and often tedious preparations leading up to the author's deployment to France. It reflects on the anticipation and anxiety experienced by pilots as they awaited their "Date" of embarkation. Bott introduces the reader to the various facets of squadron life, including training, the camaraderie among pilots, and the specialized tasks they undertook in the air. He sets up the contrast between civilian misconceptions of what air combat entails and the reality of the pilots' work, which is fraught with danger, organization issues, and unforeseen complications. By providing a personal narrative of his initial experiences, Bott effectively draws readers into the world of aerial warfare, establishing a foundation for the more intense episodes of conflict that are sure to follow.