Help end this everlasting war: a pilot's view on aerial reconnaissance in the First World War.
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Start Date
23-4-2026 12:00 AM
Description
Wilbur D. Kennedy was one of many Americans who served in the skies during the First World War. He conducted aerial reconnaissance along the Western Front with the 12th Aero Squadron. Few of these 34 aviators are remembered today, and aerial reconnaissance is often overlooked by historians of the First World War. Two scholars, Sam Hager Frank and James Streckfuss argue that aerial reconnaissance played a vital military role in the First World War, but both focus on only the military benefits as seen by military planners during the War. This paper seeks to explore how the aviators themselves viewed their contribution to the war effort by examining Wilbur D. Kennedy as a case study. Examining his personal letters, this paper will show that Kennedy’s outlook changed over time from excitement about flight and indifference to service during training, to a recognition of the significance of his contribution to the war effort as he flew on the Front. Kennedy’s viewpoint demonstrates that the views of reconnaissance aviators need to be further explored as a vital part of understanding the value of aerial reconnaissance during the First World War.
Recommended Citation
Harkins, Emily, "Help end this everlasting war: a pilot's view on aerial reconnaissance in the First World War." (2026). 2026 Student Academic Showcase. 2.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2026/oral_presentation/1/2
Help end this everlasting war: a pilot's view on aerial reconnaissance in the First World War.
Wilbur D. Kennedy was one of many Americans who served in the skies during the First World War. He conducted aerial reconnaissance along the Western Front with the 12th Aero Squadron. Few of these 34 aviators are remembered today, and aerial reconnaissance is often overlooked by historians of the First World War. Two scholars, Sam Hager Frank and James Streckfuss argue that aerial reconnaissance played a vital military role in the First World War, but both focus on only the military benefits as seen by military planners during the War. This paper seeks to explore how the aviators themselves viewed their contribution to the war effort by examining Wilbur D. Kennedy as a case study. Examining his personal letters, this paper will show that Kennedy’s outlook changed over time from excitement about flight and indifference to service during training, to a recognition of the significance of his contribution to the war effort as he flew on the Front. Kennedy’s viewpoint demonstrates that the views of reconnaissance aviators need to be further explored as a vital part of understanding the value of aerial reconnaissance during the First World War.