Integration of US marine coprs aviation with the Royal Air Force in First World War: Legacy and impact

Amerman, Annette (2018). Integration of US marine coprs aviation with the Royal Air Force in First World War: Legacy and impact. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the precarious early years in Marine Corps aviation, the difficulties between the
Americans and British before, and during the First World War and the integration with the Royal Air Force-all to see the positive impact of the integration on the future of Marine aviation. In 1912, the first United States Marine was admitted as a student aviator at the Naval Aviation School in Annapolis, Maryland. Then-1st Lieutenant Alfred A. Cunningham sparked a movement within the seagoing service, a movement that he shepherded through the earliest days of military aviation into a small combat force that competently performed in the First World War and later solidified its existence through service in the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s. The Marine Corps' aviation component suffered through competition with their Navy brethren's desire to eliminate the whole Corps in the early twentieth century. Under Cunningham's leadership, the Marines arrived in France ready to perform antisubmarine warfare duty only to find themselves without the requisite aircraft. It was this unfortunate event that lead to the Marines service with the Royal Air Force, which in turn provided the Marines with skills that were utilized again during the 'Banana Wars.'

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):