During the First World War, there were five air bases in Wales: two airship stations, one at Llangefni on Anglesey (RNAS Anglesey) and one at Milton in Pembrokeshire (RNAS Pembroke), a fighter/bomber station at Aber (RNAS Bangor) and a seaplane base at Fishguard (RNAS Fishguard). The Royal Flying Corps flying training school at Shotwick came into service in 1917.

This book is an historical account of the contribution of squadrons and aircraft based on airfields in Wales to deterring enemy submarines from attacking shipping around the coast, including details of the operations conducted from the bases, the exploits of various airships during their long patrols, the mishaps, the actions and the tragedies. It also gives a detailed account of all the airships and aircraft based in Wales, and tells the story of the training of First World War pilots at Shotwick.