Often overshadowed by the fighters that either protected or threatened them, two-seater reconnaissance aircraft performed the oldest and most strategically vital aerial task of World War 1 - a task that required them to return with the intelligence they gathered at all costs. Bomber sorties were equally important and dangerous, and the very nature of both types of mission required going in harm's way. A remarkable number of British, French and German two-seater teams managed to attain or exceed the five victories needed to achieve the acedom popularly associated with their single-seat nemeses, and in this book, with rich illustrations and first-hand accounts of the veterans themselves, they receive their long-overdue recognition. Many high-scoring single-seat fighter aces also began their careers in two-seaters, particularly in the early stages of the conflict, and their exploits as either pilots or observers are detailed here too.

Author Biography

A resident of Leesburg, Virginia, Jon Guttman is research director and contributing writer for Weider History Publications. Specialising in World War 1 aviation, he has written 21 titles in the past, including SPAD VII Aces of WW1, Spad XII/XIII Aces of WW1, Balloon Buster Aces of WW1, Bristol Fighter Aces of WW1, Pusher Aces of WW1 and Naval Aces of WW1 pts 1 and 2 in the Osprey Aces series; SPA124 Lafayette Escadrille, Groupe de Combat 12 'Les Cigognes' and 1st Pursuit Group, USAS in the Aviation Elite Units series; and Sopwith Camel vs Fokker Dr I 1917-18, SPAD XIII vs Fokker D VII 1917-18, SE 5/5A vs Albatros D V 1917-18 and SPAD VII vs Albatros D III in Osprey's Duel series. Harry Dempsey is a talented profile artist who specializes in fighter aircraft of World War 1. He has illustrated all of Osprey's World War 1 Aircraft of the Aces titles to date. Mark Postlethwaite was born in Leicestershire in 1964 and has developed a lifelong passion for aviation history. He first worked as a photographer before turning his attention solely to artwork, and is now highly regarded in his field for the quality and accuracy of his work. He became the youngest elected member of the Guild of Aviation Artists in 1991. Mark is a valued Osprey artist and has contributed to more than 80 of its books.