by
Steven M
First, I guess I better ask for forgiveness in advance for my ramblings below, but this is something I have been pondering for a few years. My love for this period and the accomplishments of the men who made it possible, has fueled a deep desire within me to share what I hold dear with everyone I am able. However, there don't seem to be many ears inclined to listening. My perception is that when it comes to WWI aviation, there is a close, small circle of collectors who share this love. I would like to hear some of your thoughts on the subject, and like to know if you have had similar thoughts and perceptions.
Often times I have pondered the level of interest in WWI aviation compared proportionally to the significance of historical accomplishment of the heroes of this long-past time. Each time I think that I have arrived at a point where I think I have obtained satisfactory insight into the mystery of seeming disinterest, I find myself right back where I began the journey of the mind.
From what I have been able to gather, the "hay day" of WWI aviation was in the 1960's-70's, when many of the pilots were still with us. Since then, the interest seems to have dwindled away except in the hearts of the old time collectors, and a few of us new guys who have the same passion as our older colleagues.
Let's take the Second World War for a comparative, the popularity of WWII is unquestionably justified for the simple fact that it changed the course of human history by cheating the forces of evil from overshadowing the entire world. In particular, aviation played a major role in the accomplishment of extinguishing the axis forces and the accomplishments of the pilots should not be questioned.
As a result, medals, leather jackets and anything else aircraft-related from WWII is highly desired by collectors. Yet, the fact that the accomplishments of the pilots of that war are directly attributed to the pioneers of an earlier war seems to be forgotten. Without the trailblazing aviators of WWI fighting in contraptions that were barely air worthy, progress made between the wars would have been years behind in technology that gave birth to the sleek aerodynamic fighting machines by the time WWII occurred.
Is the lack of interest due to the years that have passed deep into the past, far detached from our modern minds? Is it because there was really no "victor", only an armistice? Was WWI viewed as a family feud amongst European powers? Is the lack of availability of items a deterrent? Is it the sparse availability of research material, or the lack of standardization in uniform and insignia that does not always lend the definitive "textbook" security that many desire, requiring much study? Or is it something else?
Not to take away from the indisputable bravery and heroism of the pilots of the greatest generation, but I wonder sometimes if the Nazi regime had been in power during WWI, would that war now receive the same world-wide interest that the Second World War does? The fascination with Nazi items is a perpetual phenomena that seems to show no signs of slowing. I guess what I am asking is, does the involvement of the Nazis in WWII form part of the foundation in the ever-growing fascination in that war?
Where am I going with this? My fear is that WWI Aviation will not enjoy even a slight short spike in interest when the 100 year anniversary of the beginning pays us a visit in 2014, nor will the 2018 anniversary of the end kindle a lasting interest...
So I ask, has this period of history already had its day in the sun, or does the dawn of a new day await beyond the horizon...
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