Why did World War I fighters often fly in pairs?

During World War I, fighter pilots began operating in pairs to increase their tactical effectiveness and survivability in the air. Flying in these small units, known as sections, allowed the wingman to protect the leader’s rear, a critical vulnerability given that pilots relied solely on their naked eye for situational awareness.12

By 1918, the pair had become the smallest fighting unit, as squadrons discovered that this formation significantly reduced losses while increasing the number of aerial victories. This practice was strictly enforced by prominent flight leaders, including Oswald Boelcke and Manfred von Richthofen, who recognized that disciplined, synchronized maneuvering provided a distinct advantage over lone aircraft. By maintaining a distance of approximately 50 to 60 yards, the wingman could effectively cover the leader, ensuring that neither pilot was easily surprised by enemy fighters attempting to attack from blind spots.21