The Royal Flying Corps, Since the formation of the Royal Flying Corps, wonderful strides have been made in perfecting the aerial service for war, and its squadrons new take an important and definite place not only in the Force for operations overseas, but also in the scheme of Home Defence, fully equipped squadrons being stationed at strategic points. The Corps has its foundation in the old balloon companies, Royal Engineers, who did good service till April 1st 1911, when they were absorbed into the new air Battalion Royal Engineers, of which Major Sir Alexander Bannerman, R.E. was appointed the first commander. On the 13th of April 1913, this gave considerable widening of scope and enlargement of service. The two wings of the Corps, Naval and Military, work in splendid co- operation, both being efficient in handling various types of aeroplanes and airships. The training of all branches of the Corps, aviation and mechanical, is very thorough and practical, and that good service will be rendered by all ranks when the hour of trial comes is beyond all doubt. The attractions of aviation have drawn a full complement of officers to qualify as pilots and observers, and the Corps so far as capacity and zeal is concerned is the equal of any now existing.