War in the Air — the Second Phase In the House of
Commons on Tuesday Sir Kingsley Wood reviewed what he called the second chapter of the war in the air, the study of which gives some indications of the preparedness of the Air Force for a third and later phase, when battles will be on a larger scale. The review is re- assuring. This composite force, consisting of many arms, has been put to the test, and has worked in unison under the Central Command. Fighters, bombers and coastal patrol craft have been active in defence, in attack, in reconnais- sance and in ceaseless patrol work over the North Sea and the Atlantic. Aeroplanes have helped in the convoy of ships, and in the destruction of submarines, and have successfully engaged raiders. Anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, balloon barrages and observer corps have worked in dose co-opera- tion. In France the R.A.F. have operated successfully with the French. The Air Force has now become accustomed to its work, and its efficiency is proved. What then of its still more exacting tasks in the future? The record goes to show that in the quality of the machines and in the efficiency of the men we have already established ascendancy. In regard to numbers, of course, no figures, either absolute or in rela- tion to German strength, are disclosed, but Sir Kingsley Wood indicated our immense increase in output of machines which must every day be lessening the disparity in numbers. News received, since he spoke, of the continuous " security patrols " over the bases of the German minelaying aero- planes reinforces his words.
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