"British reconnaissance plane flying over enemy lines, in France, during World War I. This innovative photograph of a two-man biplane on a flight over enemy lines was taken by the photographer flying in another plane. Both planes would have been travelling at around 100 mph and flying at an altitude of several thousand feet. RAF markings can clearly be seen on the fuselage, wings and tail of the biplane, which looks like a Bristol F-2. In addition to carrying out reconnaissance duties and participating in 'dogfights', air raids against ground targets increased as the war dragged on. These bombing raids were mostly aimed at supply dumps, camps and railway stations, though the front line trenches were also an obvious target. As aircraft technology advanced, the greater range allowed to planes meant that civilian targets could also be attacked, with London and Paris both suffering bombing raids. [Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE BRITISH WESTERN FRONT IN FRANCE. One of our planes over the German lines taking observations. This picture was taken from another machine in flight, thousands of feet high in the air.']"

Interesting details to note: The observer can be seen standing and leaning over the edge and empty bomb racks can be seen

Note: It is not a Bristol "F-2". Not only is this "4A" airframe identified as an R.E.8 using other photos, the vertical stabilizer is far to angular.