By: Dave Homewood
- 20th April 2004 at 02:49Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Originally posted by atc pal Also give a thought to the many, many aircrew lost in the darkness - hardly ever photographed.
Best regards
Yes, many became lost in the darkness, but the RAF had a brilliant scheme for when this happened. I interviewed Ron Watts, former Commander of the secretive 488 (NZ) Sqn who flew Mossie night fighters. If a plane became lost,the standard thing to do was fly one mile north, one mile east, one mile south, one mile west, and continue this box. The RAF radar operators would pick it up, and they'd vector in a Mossie from 488 or another nf unit. They would then guide them back. Apparently the bomber crews were always jubilant to see the Mossie arrive on their wing. You can imagine it.
As for the other comments here, I agree with you all. I'm glad that everyone has seen these awful images as i see them. Very moving.
As for few combat photos of RAF bombers, I don't think flashlights were that good in those days. They were usually in pitch black, not even a moon if they could help it.
By: turbo_NZ
- 20th April 2004 at 03:20Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wow, Dave...after seeing these pictures...it left me speechless.
The thought that there were real people about to die makes me respect the people that gave their lives to ensure our ongoing freedom just all that much more.
As said before,we see a lot of the "glamorous" side of warbirds and too often this side is overlooked and ignored but a very real part of the whole equation that was day to day for these brave souls.
As Dave said, I also will be going to the dawn ANZAC parade to remember those gallant soldiers who allowed to live our comfortable lives that we often take for granted.
By: atc pal
- 20th April 2004 at 17:53Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Dave. I didn't realise I had used the euphemism "lost". I mean't "killed or missing in action". Missing being especially hard on the relatives. Where do you go to mourn? As I can see from the thread, this is a mature forum, that clearly has devoted much of their historical research to honour the brave (and very young!)aircrews of the second World War. Many of whome paid the highest price.
In fact there was a huge problem with "lost" (navigation-wise) aircraft. Twenty years ago I found a small book in the Danish Air Force library written by a Canadian? controller that helped set up a Rescue and Recovery Organisation in the UK in WWII: They could see wandering bombers returning - but lost. A system with searchlights through the fog/low clouds pointing to airfields were set up. (And Master diversion airfields?) Later Mosquitos as you mentioned? The FIDO system must also be mentioned. I wonder if I could find that book again?
Best regards
New
Posts: 1,074
By: crazymainer
- 20th April 2004 at 23:10Permalink- Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Hi Dave,
The B-17 photo the plane took a direct hit from an 88 crash landed at a RAF base.
The B-24 with the Waist Position a flame. Their is a seroius of this plane taken by the plane next to it. You will be happy to know all the crew manage to get out of her before she blew up.
The over flight shot is in Japan, I've seen another version of this photo else were.
Posts: 2,249
By: Stieglitz - 19th April 2004 at 18:17 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Thanks Dave.
The photos are moving. But as they are part of history, it is sometimes necessary to be reminded to those few. We should learn from the history.
To those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Posts: 646
By: atc pal - 19th April 2004 at 18:33 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Also give a thought to the many, many aircrew lost in the darkness - hardly ever photographed.
Best regards
Posts: 646
By: atc pal - 19th April 2004 at 18:51 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
There is a "fliers grave" just south of here, we help maintain.
One moving part was the Australian twin brother of one of the crew, who wished to be buried next to his brother. This happened in 1991.
http://www.skarrild.dk/foreninger/lokalarkiv/flyvergrav/flyvergraven_eng.html
Best regards
Posts: 7,877
By: Arthur - 19th April 2004 at 19:28 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Very confronting and humbling photos, Dave. They definately made me think for a moment or two.
Thanks for posting them.
Posts: 1,211
By: Der - 19th April 2004 at 21:23 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Ditto.
The photographs say it all.
Der
Posts: 5,590
By: Dave Homewood - 20th April 2004 at 02:49 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Yes, many became lost in the darkness, but the RAF had a brilliant scheme for when this happened. I interviewed Ron Watts, former Commander of the secretive 488 (NZ) Sqn who flew Mossie night fighters. If a plane became lost,the standard thing to do was fly one mile north, one mile east, one mile south, one mile west, and continue this box. The RAF radar operators would pick it up, and they'd vector in a Mossie from 488 or another nf unit. They would then guide them back. Apparently the bomber crews were always jubilant to see the Mossie arrive on their wing. You can imagine it.
As for the other comments here, I agree with you all. I'm glad that everyone has seen these awful images as i see them. Very moving.
As for few combat photos of RAF bombers, I don't think flashlights were that good in those days. They were usually in pitch black, not even a moon if they could help it.
Posts: 1,612
By: turbo_NZ - 20th April 2004 at 03:20 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Wow, Dave...after seeing these pictures...it left me speechless.
The thought that there were real people about to die makes me respect the people that gave their lives to ensure our ongoing freedom just all that much more.
As said before,we see a lot of the "glamorous" side of warbirds and too often this side is overlooked and ignored but a very real part of the whole equation that was day to day for these brave souls.
As Dave said, I also will be going to the dawn ANZAC parade to remember those gallant soldiers who allowed to live our comfortable lives that we often take for granted.
We will not forget.
Chris
Posts: 646
By: atc pal - 20th April 2004 at 17:53 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Dave. I didn't realise I had used the euphemism "lost". I mean't "killed or missing in action". Missing being especially hard on the relatives. Where do you go to mourn? As I can see from the thread, this is a mature forum, that clearly has devoted much of their historical research to honour the brave (and very young!)aircrews of the second World War. Many of whome paid the highest price.
In fact there was a huge problem with "lost" (navigation-wise) aircraft. Twenty years ago I found a small book in the Danish Air Force library written by a Canadian? controller that helped set up a Rescue and Recovery Organisation in the UK in WWII: They could see wandering bombers returning - but lost. A system with searchlights through the fog/low clouds pointing to airfields were set up. (And Master diversion airfields?) Later Mosquitos as you mentioned? The FIDO system must also be mentioned. I wonder if I could find that book again?
Best regards
Posts: 1,074
By: crazymainer - 20th April 2004 at 23:10 Permalink - Edited 1st January 1970 at 01:00
Hi Dave,
The B-17 photo the plane took a direct hit from an 88 crash landed at a RAF base.
The B-24 with the Waist Position a flame. Their is a seroius of this plane taken by the plane next to it. You will be happy to know all the crew manage to get out of her before she blew up.
The over flight shot is in Japan, I've seen another version of this photo else were.