The ability to direct Artillery for from the air, particularly for targets in depth out of the view of Forward Observation Officers, provides an essential dimension, particularly for counter battery fire.

The use of aircraft for target location was detailed in both the Field Artillery Training and Garrison Artillery (Siege) Training Manuals for 1914. The procedures involved large letters on the ground, very lights, and even aircraft indicating azimuth by flying down the intended line of fire:

References;

Field Artillery Training 1914 Chapter IX Battery Tactics sct 203 Location of targets from aircraft - page 324

Garrison Artillery Training Vol II (Siege) 1911 (Reprinted, with amendments, 1914) Chapter V Observation of Fire sct 33 Aerial Observation - page 76

However by by the time the BEEF had deployed into France, the Royal Flying Corps had pioneered the use of radio, using morse to transmit observations using the 'clock method'. On the 13th September 1914, the Battle of the Aisne commenced, and the Royal Artillery fired in battle for the first time with fire being directed from an aircraft.

Clock Ray Method for Aerial Observation

Source: Counter battery shoots.

Many thanks to ororkep aka Paul for the information from 118 Siege Battery RGA

On 30/08/2008 at 21:13, ororkep said:

source: extract from (118 SB) Occasional Gunfire

Source: Counter battery shoots.

And as ever Chris Baker and the LLT

Artillery communication letter codes

Many thanks to Sue for a scan of an actual code book used by RFC Signalers

Signalers Code Book

Photograph of battery Command Post with RFC Signaller

Interior of a hut on a battery position. Centrally, a wireless operator with ear-phones receiving signals. At left an officer marking up a map. At right a man with megaphone calling orders through the open door.