Sir John, Ladies and Gentlemen,—When, a few days ago, I had finished the notes for this evening, I rather wondered which portion of me, if any, you would kindly allow, to leave this room. You will, I am afraid, tell me it is not a lecture on Military Aviation at all, that—but I will not take the words out of your mouth. My excuse is that the words "military" and "aviation" are each so large and lead in such innumerable directions. It is difficult to obtain a correct perspective of the combination. I must rely upon the usual hope of the diffident speaker and say how desirous I am that my efforts may at all events lead to a brilliant and illuminating discussion.