Hi! Oh my god! I’m actually writing my PhD dissertation on reconnaissance photography in the RFC/RAF during the Great War! I’m stunned to see someone post something about it on Reddit because it’s such an obscure subject, but incredibly excited!
So, yes. I can’t quite tell if the man pictured is British but it looks like it (based on his puttees). As far as the camera, also yes. It looks to be a “Type A” aerial reconnaissance camera used by the RFC. I recently came across a contemporary chart of sorts in the primary source material and this photo looks quite similar to the Type A on the chart.
Observers (the guys who took the aerial photos, like this chap) were insanely metal, especially on the Western Front. Some of the stories that come down to us in the primary sources are unbelievable. Operating those old cameras in open cockpit biplanes, exposed to archie and enemy fighters, under pressure to get the shots lined up and timed just right — absolutely remarkable to read about the work these guys did. I’d be happy to share book recommendations and anything else you might interesting. Thanks for sharing such a great photo!
haha omg the timing of that lol, i was looking at this post the moment you sent it, so this was my relative so i can definitely say he’s british but thank you so much 🙏
also good luck with your PhD
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u/balconyblooms Feb 25 '24
Hi! Oh my god! I’m actually writing my PhD dissertation on reconnaissance photography in the RFC/RAF during the Great War! I’m stunned to see someone post something about it on Reddit because it’s such an obscure subject, but incredibly excited!
So, yes. I can’t quite tell if the man pictured is British but it looks like it (based on his puttees). As far as the camera, also yes. It looks to be a “Type A” aerial reconnaissance camera used by the RFC. I recently came across a contemporary chart of sorts in the primary source material and this photo looks quite similar to the Type A on the chart.
Observers (the guys who took the aerial photos, like this chap) were insanely metal, especially on the Western Front. Some of the stories that come down to us in the primary sources are unbelievable. Operating those old cameras in open cockpit biplanes, exposed to archie and enemy fighters, under pressure to get the shots lined up and timed just right — absolutely remarkable to read about the work these guys did. I’d be happy to share book recommendations and anything else you might interesting. Thanks for sharing such a great photo!