Eye in the sky: The Royal Naval Air Service

Abstract

In spite of its tri-service nature, the Gallipoli Campaign is commonly seen as a clash or armies and a land-only affair. By ignoring the other services, though, we are presented with a part-picture of the nine-month affiaar. This paper will examine the role of the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) - the allied eye in the sky - throughout the campaign, with a particular focus its two main roles: flying reconnaissance patrol missions as a source of operational and strategic intelligence; and aerial spotting for the field artillery and naval gun-fire support. The RNAS underwent many changes throughout the campaign and suffered from shortages in equipment and experienced crews, yet despite these challenges, it continued to play a crucial role in the allied war effort, especially in its development of new spotting, aerial photography, and aerial attack techniques.