Description: "The exploits of two-seater reconnaissance and bomber aircraft in World War 1 are often overshadowed by dashing fighter pilots that either protected or threatened them. But between them, these two types performed the oldest and most strategically vital tasks of military aviation- gathering intelligence about the enemy, and striking at him from above. Moreover, these important missions drew such vicious aerial opposition that the need soon arose for the two-seaters to be able to fight their way out of trouble. Ultimately armed with at least one fixed machine gun forward and a flexible one aft, two seaters were far from helpless, and during the course of fending off attacking fighters often managed to shoot down their assailants. This book, packed with first-hand accounts, detailed colour illustrations and rare contemporary photographs, charts the surprising story of the reconnaissance and bomber aces of World War 1. It reveals how many British, French, American, German and Austro-Hungarian two-seater crews were able to become an ace, and how many high-scoring single-seat fighter aces also began their careers in two-seaters." --- from back cover.
Brief description: Jon Guttman, a resident of Leesburg, Virginia, is currently research director for Historynet.com. Specialising in World War I aviation, he has written numerous titles for Osprey including the popular Aircraft of the Aces 66: Balloon-Busting Aces of World War I.