Robert Brooke-Popham - World War I

World War I

Following the outbreak of World War I, Brooke-Popham went to France as the Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-General in the headquarters of the Royal Flying Corps where he was responsible for the administrative and technical support of the squadrons deployed in the field. His understanding of the importance of air power and its support to land forces led him to criticize the lack of adequate air support to the British Expeditionary Force.

On 20 November 1914 Brooke-Popham was appointed Officer Commanding of No. 3 Wing of the RFC. At this time the wing consisted of No. 1 and No. 4 squadrons and on the same day as his appointment, Brooke-Popham received a temporary promotion to lieutenant colonel. During the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, Brooke-Popham directed his Wing's operation and was later awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his actions during the Battle.

By 1915 Brooke-Popham was too senior an officer to take part in much operational flying, and he had limited experience of air combat. Rather, his energies were directed in administrative and organizational activities as he served in several staff posts at the RFC's headquarters in France. In May 1915 Brooke-Popham was appointed RFC's Chief Staff Officer and in March 1916 he was the Corps' Deputy Adjutant and Quartermaster-General which saw Brooke-Popham granted the temporary rank of brigadier-general.

With the establishment of the Royal Air Force in April 1918, Brooke-Popham was transferred to the newly created Air Ministry in London. He served as the Controller of Aircraft Production for the remainder of the War and for some months afterwards. In 1919 he served as Director of Aircraft Research.