A Royal Flying Corps pilot officer training with a Lewis Gun, 1917 (c)

Photograph, World War One (1914-1918), 1917 (c).

The officer sits on the seat of an aircraft mounting for a water-cooled Lewis Gun, holding the machine gun grips. The introduction of synchronisation gear which allowed a machine gun to be fired forwards, through the rotating propellor of an aircraft, revolutionised air combat.

From an album of photographs relating to Lieutenant William Charles Carter who served in 28th Bn London Regiment (Artists Rifles), and 13 Squadron Royal Flying Corps during World War One.