1918 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1918 Computing & Technology Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Apr Formation of the Royal Air Force: On April 1, 1918, the Royal Air Force (RAF) was formed in the United Kingdom by merging the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. The RAF became the world's first independent air force. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 Apr First US Ace Pilot in World War I: On April 14, 1918, Lieutenant Douglas Campbell of the 94th Aero Squadron became the first American aviator in an American-trained air unit to achieve the status of ace, sharing credit with Lieutenant Alan F. Winslow for shooting down enemy aircraft over Lironville, France. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 May United States Begins Third Regular Airmail Service: The United States Post Office Department inaugurates the world's third regular airmail service, connecting New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. This milestone follows earlier airmail routes in India and the United Kingdom, marking significant progress in postal and aviation technologies.
- 21 May U.S. Military Aviation Restructured: On May 20, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson issued Executive Order 2862, transferring the Division of Military Aeronautics from the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps to direct reporting to the Secretary of War. This reorganization aimed to streamline military aviation operations during World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Jun French Army Mechanizes: 503rd Combat Tank Regiment Formation: On June 4, 1918, the French Army established the 503rd Combat Tank Regiment (503e Régiment de chars de combat), an armored tank unit. This regiment played a significant role in World War I, participating in key battles such as the Battle of Soissons and the Battle of the Aisne. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Jun First American Aerial Bombing Raid in World War I: On June 12, 1918, the 96th Aero Squadron conducted the first U.S. combat aerial bombing during World War I, targeting the Dommary-Baroncourt Railyard in France. This mission marked a significant milestone in American military aviation history. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Dec First official aviation weather forecast: On December 1, 1918, the U.S. Weather Bureau issued its first official aviation weather forecast for the Aerial Mail Service route from New York to Chicago. This forecast combined ground observations with data from instrumented kites and tethered balloons, marking a significant advancement in aviation weather monitoring. source: weather.gov
- 13 Dec First flight from England to India: On December 13, 1918, a British crew embarked on the first flight from England to India in a Handley Page V/1500 heavy bomber. The journey included stops in Rome, Malta, Cairo, and Baghdad, culminating in their arrival in Karachi on January 15, 1919. source: en.wikipedia.org
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