Somme selfies: Smart and dignified, the lone airman

In the run-up to July’s centenary of one of the bloodiest battles in human history, The Independent is publishing a different Tommy’s picture every day

In our collection of over 700 images, taken during or before the battle of the Somme, there is only one airman.

Here he is, looking very smart in his greatcoat and cap. He appears to be a private in the Royal Flying Corps, the predecessor of the Royal Air Force. He was therefore part of the ground staff, rather than a pilot.

Ten squadrons of British fighter bi-planes operated over the Somme battlefields. They gradually established superiority over the Germans as they received improved aircraft, such as the Sopwith Pup.