Original Items: Only One Lot of 2 Available. Aircraft recognition is one of the most important aspects of warfare, for both the military and civilians alike. During full scale warfare and invasions, the skies are littered with aircraft from all nations and being able to identify them would make a life or death difference. Books and manuals such as these were widely issued out to military personnel serving on the homefront, serving overseas and Civil Defense personnel as well.

The books are in good condition and show signs of heavy use which is ok because these would have aided in the safety of Americans and our allies during WWII. Both books are identical in nature and feature incredible images and sketches of Allied and Axis aircraft.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.

The first requirement in warfare is the ability to distinguish friend from foe. Nowhere is this more difficult than in the air. Owing to the great speeds and heights attained by modern aircraft, recognition is frequently dependent on a momentary glimpse. In the same way instant and accurate recognition of surface craft, mechanized ground equipment, etc., is fraught with great difficulties owing to varying conditions of visibility, distance, and variety of types.

Before the outbreak of this war few realized the grave problems of recognition that the increasing dominance of air power would present. The existence of these problems was soon apparent when, after two months, the casualties of the British Advanced Air Striking Force in France amounted to:-Shot down by the Germans, eight: Shot down by the French, nine. In those days the only question asked was, "Is it in range?" Since then mistakes in recognition, on the sea, on land, and in the air have been too numerous to mention. Usually these mistakes are attended by the most serious consequences.

It is now fully realized that the only way to prevent these occurrences is by demanding the highest general level of proficiency in recognition throughout the services. This can only be attained by concentrated study. It is not suggested that practice will make one absolutely perfect, but it will certainly go most of the way toward reducing the chances of a man being a danger not only to himself, but to his comrades-in-arms. The Navy's problem at sea, whether on warship or merchant ship, is to know as soon as possible whether any aircraft or ship within sight is friendly or hostile, what type it is, and how it is likely to attack, and from that to estimate the best method of defense.

The Army's problems are also varied. Anti Aircraft gunners should be able to recognize any airplane within range, or likely to come within range, whether flying directly toward the battery or not. Columns on the move may have to contend with the low-fly ing attack-bomber or the dive-bomber. Instant recognition saves lives and leads to the destruction of the enemy.

The Air Forces, both of the Army and the Navy, have even more problems to solve because the views from which crews may see the enemy are not confined to those from underneath. The fighter pilot may hope to dive on the enemy from above and behind, but to him the underneath view is important too. The tail gunner needs the head-on view. All must know their aircraft well. In a completely different category are the photographic interpreters who have to recognize the top-plan views of aircraft dispersed on air drones or in ports. In the past, too little attention has been paid to this important silhouette. Likewise, the accurate recognition of mechanized ground equipment is of extreme importance.

The Ground Observer Corps has concentrated much attention on recognition. Again any aircraft within view, friendly or hostile, should be recognized quickly-even through a momentary gap in the clouds.

The first thing to be appreciated is that recognition does not begin and end with appearance. Certainly it is essential to distinguish between the appearance of friend and foe; but this is seldom sufficient. It is also essential to recognize the exact type. In the case of aircraft, this recognition gives knowledge of the wing span, approximate speed, probable armament, and if hostile, a reasonable deduction as to future actions. The situation is similar to that of surface-craft, where recognition has a tactical value and gives an idea of what the enemy can do and how he may be dealt with, once recognized.

What enables a person accurately and speedily to recognize tanks, ships, planes, etc.? The process is no different from that of recognizing an automobile, a horse, a bird, or a friend. Let one ask himself the question, "When I see a friend walking down the street, do I look at every feature of him and having gone through a process of analysis, decide that it is Bill?" Obviously not. Recognition is instinctive. One knows immediately that it is "Bill" because one is familiar with his whole appearance and general characteristics, such as the way he stands or walks. It is not difficult to translate these characteristics into terms of airplanes, ships, etc. The combination of all these characteristics into the overall effect of an object is known scientifically as the "total form" of that object. Now one can ask one more question.

"Why did you get to know the "total form" of a friend or automobile, or horse?" The answer is, because you were interested in him or it. Therefore, the requirement for efficient recognition is familiarity based on a general knowledge of air or surface craft, or tanks, or other military equipment, a knowledge which will only be gained by an aroused interest and enthusiasm for them. If this is borne in mind, there will finally be an end to those famous last words, "I think they're ours."