MG JM Salmond

3/3. 'In conclusion, Brigade Commanders should be under no illusion that the responsibility to ensure the British Army is not surprised in any forthcoming German attack rests on the RAF' #kaisersbattle #RAF100

2/3. All likely approach routes are to be reconnoitred twice a night and then again immediately before dawn with pilots flying close to the ground to help with observation at a time of day when conditions could be challenging #kaisersbattle

1/3. With the battle of #Matz ongoing, Salmond releases the following to his RAF Bde Cdrs: 'In order to prevent surprise, such as apparently occurred on the last attack on the #Aisne, it is vital that the enemy's approach march be discovered'. #kaiserschlact #kaisersbattle

25Mar, to GOC V Bde: 'A very large concentration is reported just west of Bapaume. You will concentrate every available Corps machine from dawn & keep up this effort throughout the day.' 22Gp ac were also ordered into the same attack. #Kaiserschlacht

To MG H Trenchard, 25th March: 'Today I can report managed to concentrate over 100 machines on the threatened line in the 3rd Army area. I had news from 1Bde that our machines were so thick over this point that there was every danger of collision in the air'. #Kaiserschlacht

To OC 9th Wg: 'I wish you as soon as you can after receipt of this to send out your scout sqns & those of No27, 25 & 62 to the line Grevillers- Martinpuich-Maricourt. These sqns to bomb & shoot up everything they see. V low flying essential, all risks to be taken. #kaiserschlact