3 Review(s)

In this memoir, Bott details the intense daily life of RFC pilots, describing the physical and mental demands of flying fragile, early aircraft in dangerous combat situations. He vividly recounts the constant threat of anti-aircraft fire, the harrowing aerial dogfights with German planes, and the daunting weather conditions that pilots had to navigate. Bott also shares the camaraderie among pilots, their shared experiences of loss, and the coping mechanisms they developed to handle the relentless danger.The book goes beyond technical descriptions of aerial warfare to explore the psychological effects of combat and the moral complexities of war. Bott reflects on the bravery of his comrades, the sacrifices they made, and the toll that war took on them physically and emotionally. Cavalry of the Clouds is not only a tribute to the daring spirit of WWI pilots but also a stark portrayal of the human side of war and the profound courage displayed by those in the RFC.