Rain and fog grounded aircraft and impeded artillery observation.
The main purpose for the P-5 was for artillery observation.
Wytschaete is about 150ft (50m) above the ground before it; these terrain features were vital for artillery observation.
Its roles also include artillery observation and a squad of sharpshooters.
Then, about 14:00, as the British infantry moved out of artillery observation and Botha reinforced his threatened flank, the attack stalled.
No artillery observation was achieved between 5 and 9 October.
Until the end of the war the Squadron operated in the army co-operation role, providing ground forces with artillery observation, reconnaissance and close air support.
Generally, 'direct support' also means that the artillery unit provides artillery observation and liaison teams to the supported units.
Rain continued until 5 August and seriously interrupted artillery observation flying.
Broadly, there are two very different approaches to artillery observation.