A seated candidate for the French Air Service is subjected to a series of tests to gauge

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A seated candidate for the French Air Service is subjected to a series of tests to gauge

A seated candidate for the French Air Service is subjected to a series of tests to gauge his respiration, hand and pulse, during the firing of a revolver. The tests were intended to discover which applicants possessed the steady nerves, required for aerial combat. Date: 1916

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Media ID 23033780

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Applicants Candidate Combat Discover Firing Fitness Gauge Intended Nerves Possessed Pulse Required Respiration Revolver Steady Subjected Tests Undergoing

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the intense scrutiny and rigorous selection process endured by a candidate for the French Air Service during World War I. Dating back to 1916, the applicant is seen seated, his expression focused as he undergoes a series of nerve-testing exercises. In this particular test, his respiration, hand, and pulse are being gauged while he fires a revolver. The intent behind these tests was to identify those individuals who possessed the unwavering nerves and composure necessary for aerial combat. The First World War marked a significant turning point in the evolution of military warfare, with the advent of air power playing a crucial role in the outcome of battles. The French Air Service, like its counterparts in other nations, recognized the importance of selecting the most capable and resilient pilots to fly their aircraft in combat. These tests were designed to ensure that only the most steadfast candidates were accepted into the service, increasing the chances of success in the harsh and unforgiving skies above the Western Front. The candidate's determined expression and unwavering gaze suggest that he is fully committed to the task at hand. The tension in his clenched hand and the beads of sweat on his forehead underscore the physical and mental demands of the selection process. The revolver, a symbol of the deadly force that awaited these pilots in the skies, adds an air of gravity to the scene. This powerful and evocative photograph offers a glimpse into the intense and unforgiving world of military aviation during the First World War, providing a poignant reminder of the courage and determination required to serve as a pilot in the French Air Service.

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