Libya 1911: How an Italian pilot began the air war era

Gerald · 05-10-11, 03:28 AM

Italy recently said it was ready to join in Nato's air attacks on targets in Libya - and with the announcement came a sense of history repeating itself.

It was in Libya, almost exactly a century ago, that a young Italian pilot carried out the first ever air raid.

During fighting in November 1911 between Italy and forces loyal to the Turkish, Ottoman Empire, Lieutenant Giulio Gavotti wrote in a letter to his father: "Today I have decided to try to throw bombs from the aeroplane.

"It is the first time that we will try this and if I succeed, I will be really pleased to be the first person to do it."

And soon afterwards Lieutenant Gavotti did indeed hang out of his flimsy aircraft and fling a bomb at troops in a desert oasis below.

In that instant he introduced the world to the idea of war from the air. He had begun the age of the bomber, and opened the door to all the horrors it would bring.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13294524

Note: 10 May 2011 Last updated at 02:51 GMT

Gerald · 05-10-11, 04:20 AM

Since I have posted the thread, I take this opportunity to express that it is an interesting story,

Torplexed · 05-10-11, 04:26 AM

Hard to believe sometimes that there are only 34 years between tossing grenades from a flimsy biplane and Hiroshima.

Gerald · 05-10-11, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torplexed

Hard to believe sometimes that there are only 34 years between tossing grenades from a flimsy biplane and Hiroshima.

Very true.

TLAM Strike · 05-10-11, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torplexed

Hard to believe sometimes that there are only 34 years between tossing grenades from a flimsy biplane and Hiroshima.

monoplane, not biplane.

Torplexed · 05-10-11, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

monoplane, not biplane.

Mea culpa. My bad.

Gerald · 05-10-11, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

monoplane, not biplane.

Here it should be so careful with everything,

05-10-11, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torplexed

At that Altitude they could of just took their guns and shot him down easily, Hell a good jumper could of grabbed the landing gear.

Torplexed · 05-10-11, 05:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rilder

At that Altitude they could of just took their guns and shot him down easily, Hell a good jumper could of grabbed the landing gear.

What scares me in that illustration is that the propeller isn't turning.

05-10-11, 05:26 AM

That's easy to explain, it looks like a piece of metal jutting out from the engine near the top of it is blocking the props movement.

Fish In The Water · 05-10-11, 06:02 AM

Quote:

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value."
- Marshal Ferdinand Foch [Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre] (circa 1911)
He was Supreme Commander of Allied forces, 1918

Gotta love the visionaries!

Source: http://www.military-quotes.com/funny-quotes.htm

05-10-11, 03:28 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Libya 1911: How an Italian pilot began the air war era Italy recently said it was ready to join in Nato's air attacks on targets in Libya - and with the announcement came a sense of history repeating itself. It was in Libya, almost exactly a century ago, that a young Italian pilot carried out the first ever air raid. During fighting in November 1911 between Italy and forces loyal to the Turkish, Ottoman Empire, Lieutenant Giulio Gavotti wrote in a letter to his father: "Today I have decided to try to throw bombs from the aeroplane. "It is the first time that we will try this and if I succeed, I will be really pleased to be the first person to do it." And soon afterwards Lieutenant Gavotti did indeed hang out of his flimsy aircraft and fling a bomb at troops in a desert oasis below. In that instant he introduced the world to the idea of war from the air. He had begun the age of the bomber, and opened the door to all the horrors it would bring. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-13294524 Note: 10 May 2011 Last updated at 02:51 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

05-10-11, 04:20 AM	#2
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Since I have posted the thread, I take this opportunity to express that it is an interesting story, __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

05-10-11, 04:26 AM	#3
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	Hard to believe sometimes that there are only 34 years between tossing grenades from a flimsy biplane and Hiroshima.

05-10-11, 05:26 AM	#10
Rilder Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	That's easy to explain, it looks like a piece of metal jutting out from the engine near the top of it is blocking the props movement.