Instruction By Films (Press, 16 April 1940)

On 16 April 1940, a report detailed the training methods employed by the Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) for pilots engaged in combat against German aircraft. The account highlights the use of combat footage taken during actual aerial engagements for training purposes. This innovative technique allows British pilots to learn from their experiences by analysing films that capture their actions and the outcomes of their confrontations with enemy raiders. During a visit to a Fighter Command Station in Scotland, King George VI was shown films of R.A.F. pilots intercepting and shooting down German aircraft. These films are recorded using a cine-camera that is triggered to operate automatically in conjunction with the aircraft's weaponry, documenting the precise trajectory of the bullets fired. After engaging in combat, the fighter planes are refuelled, re-armed, and their cameras are reloaded. The collected footage is promptly developed, enabling pilots to review their performances and learn from their experiences. The films provide a visual retrospective of the encounters, with on-screen markers indicating the gun-sight's accuracy and the enemy's firing trajectory, allowing pilots to scrutinise their tactics and decision-making. Observations from these films are collated, and patterns of successful and less successful engagements are assessed. Pilots who exhibit deficiencies may undergo targeted instructional courses to address specific issues. Additionally, experts analyse footage to discern details about enemy aircraft, including type, weaponry, speed, and manoeuvrability. The report also notes that while the British pilots engage in tactical evaluations, the Germans are seen as persistently advancing their propaganda and influence under the direction of Joseph Goebbels. The piece touches on the broader implications of propaganda and its role in warfare, citing how it has been employed historically to manipulate public perception and weaken enemy resolve. The narrative illustrates the psychological strategies used by the Nazis to destabilise opposition, as outlined by Adolf Hitler in his ambitions to employ propaganda as a weapon of war. In this context, Hitler's methods for gathering intelligence on prominent individuals, including their vulnerabilities, are examined. This intelligence-gathering aimed to build networks of influence and disarm potential opposition through various means, including blackmail or seduction. The overarching theme underscores a period characterised by intense aerial combat, innovative training techniques, and the intricate interplay of propaganda and warfare, both in the air and in political realms. The significance of these developments in the ongoing conflict is emphasised, demonstrating how both tactical prowess and psychological warfare are key components in the ongoing battle against the German threat.

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