Taking Flak

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by McCoy

I seriously doubt that it's limpin' anywhere except to the nearest ground considerin' how much of the wing that's missin'...

It seems nice and level. Unless that's a pancake fall.

[McCoy]

Maraudern wasn't known for it's handling capabilitys when it was undamaged n' worse while damaged.

[cyberia]

Ah, I see. Strange how an almost tranquil photo like that can be the prelude to a world of hurt for someone.

[Geek44]

Yeah, that B-26 is heading straight down. Known as 'The Flying Prostitute' (when in tact) because it had 'no visible means of support'.
The Marauder (as I've posted before) was a high performance beast with wings so small in area (for the size of the aircraft) that it had very high take-off/landing speeds. Missing that much precious aerofoil I doubt there was much hope. Great pic though.

[cyberia]

A B-24 Liberator (?) takes a hit over Europe

[RAF Liberators]

Always found this to be a good source Battle-Damaged B-17 Flying Fortresses: Contents
I always remember my grandfather telling me about "Tail end Charlie" and how sometimes there wasn't enough left of them, and how they would have to hose out what was left of the poor sods.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by RAF Liberators

Always found this to be a good source Battle-Damaged B-17 Flying Fortresses: Contents
I always remember my grandfather telling me about "Tail end Charlie" and how sometimes there wasn't enough left of them, and how they would have to hose out what was left of the poor sods.

It indeed took brave men to watch that process as the fate of others, yet still summon the courage to climb back in for the next mission.

[Geek44]

Originally Posted by RAF Liberators

Always found this to be a good source Battle-Damaged B-17 Flying Fortresses: Contents
I always remember my grandfather telling me about "Tail end Charlie" and how sometimes there wasn't enough left of them, and how they would have to hose out what was left of the poor sods.

What a bizarre website! I still added it to my favourites though. Thanks.
Peace.

[Aussie Dave]

Originally Posted by cyberia

Ah, I see. Strange how an almost tranquil photo like that can be the prelude to a world of hurt for someone.

The last part is what I see when I look at photos like these.

Not a wreck, but a brutal loss of brave young men in many cases.
You can tell by some of them that the pilots and the whole aircrew were doomed and many would have died in a truely horrible flaming descent.

I don't take any offence by them but if you know of my own background and family's history then you would understand why they touch me.


Mind you, I don't want that to stop you posting more pictures folks, so go right ahead and post away.


Cheers,
Dave

[cyberia]

The B-24 "Little Warrior" of the US 493rd Bomb Group hit by flak over Quakenbrück, Germany- June 23, 1944