Editing Sopwith Camel (section)

===Ground attack===
By mid-1918, the Camel had become obsolescent as a day fighter as its climb rate, level speed and performance at altitudes over 12,000&nbsp;ft (3,650 m) were outclassed by the latest German fighters, such as the [[Fokker D.VII]]. However, it remained viable as a ground-attack and infantry support aircraft and instead was increasingly used in that capacity. The Camel inflicted high losses on German ground forces, albeit suffering from a high rate of losses itself in turn, through the dropping of 25&nbsp;lb (11&nbsp;kg) Cooper bombs and low-level strafing runs.<ref name = "Jackson 2007 7 8"/> The protracted development of the Camel's replacement, the [[Sopwith Snipe]], resulted in the Camel remaining in service in this capacity until well after the signing of the [[Armistice]].<ref name = "Jackson 2007 8"/>

During the [[German spring offensive]] of March 1918, squadrons of Camels participated in the defence of the Allied lines, harassing the advancing German Army from the skies.<ref name = "Jackson 2007 7 8">Jackson 2007, pp. 7-8.</ref> Jackson observed that "some of the most intense air operations took place" during the retreat of the [[Fifth Army (United Kingdom)|British Fifth Army]], in which the Camel provided extensive aerial support. Camels flew at multiple altitudes, some as low as {{convert|500|ft|m}} for surprise strafing attacks upon ground forces, while being covered from attack by hostile fighters by the higher altitude aircraft.<ref name = "Jackson 2007 8">Jackson 2007, p. 8.</ref> Strafing attacks formed a major component of British efforts to contain the offensive, the attacks often having the result of producing confusion and panic amongst the advancing German forces. As the March offensive waned, the Camel was able to operate within and maintain aerial superiority for the remainder of the war.<ref name = "Jackson 2007 8"/>