I saw the interesting discussion on parachutes for L-4s on another thread, but I think it's appropriate to start a new thread since "this is just in" from someone who was actually there. As usual, Paul (AOP) triggered the discussion so I quote him:
Paul,
I agree with that, they generally flew too low in L-4s to be able to use parachutes. I actually discussed that with my friend Lars (we're both interested in WW 2 history) after a simulated mission with "SE-AWL" and we sent some questions to Joe Gordon. We would like to share the mail response we got from Joe three weeks ago regarding how they flew their missions:
"Jorgen..Good to receive your quick response.
As to combat fire direction. Yes we flew in the trajectory of our own artillery and it was pretty much unavoidable except for the most obvious precautions . Some our guys did get hit , but surprisingly few. Our planes could set off the proximity fuse on the nose cone of the projectile, which came into use late in the war for the purpose of exploding above ground in order to hit enemy personel entrenched . The shells Contained numerous steel pellets.
Yes, the give away flash of their artillery was the most common means for our spotting both artillery and tanks.
We flew at about 1500 feet usually, I order stay somewhat out of range of small arms and to be low enough to duck away from their fighter planes. My armored artillery battalion was usually with Second Armored Division and we had radio communication with the lead tanks so we could caution them as to what was up ahead out of their vision.
We at times flew very low. I remember one time in a wooded area finding myself directly above a group of German tanks with numerous ground personel. They looked up as surprised as we were. No doubt the noise of their tanks drowned out the sound of our plane, I was no more than a hundred feet in the air. I could see the look on their faces as they reached for their side arms. I did not waste any time hanging around looking for map coordinates so they got no artillery from us. That was near the end of the war and Ninth U S Army was moving fast as we overran their army. Somewhere west of Bielfeld.
The observer who was always in the seat behind and I developed keen eyes,believe me. . . Alert does not begin to describe our condition. We were Really in position to be of great help in a number of ways. As I am sure you know flying a cub as you do"
I'm planning to visit Joe next week, he kindly invited me to come even though his health is waning. We've met a couple of times before and E-mail each other on a regular basis. He is without doubt one of the most inspiring and humble persons I have had the pleasure of meeting. Please pray for him and I'll extend our thanks for his service from all L-4 enthusiasts on here and elsewhere.
Just (L-)4 fun/ Jörgen
Paul,
I agree with that, they generally flew too low in L-4s to be able to use parachutes. I actually discussed that with my friend Lars (we're both interested in WW 2 history) after a simulated mission with "SE-AWL" and we sent some questions to Joe Gordon. We would like to share the mail response we got from Joe three weeks ago regarding how they flew their missions:
"Jorgen..Good to receive your quick response.
As to combat fire direction. Yes we flew in the trajectory of our own artillery and it was pretty much unavoidable except for the most obvious precautions . Some our guys did get hit , but surprisingly few. Our planes could set off the proximity fuse on the nose cone of the projectile, which came into use late in the war for the purpose of exploding above ground in order to hit enemy personel entrenched . The shells Contained numerous steel pellets.
Yes, the give away flash of their artillery was the most common means for our spotting both artillery and tanks.
We flew at about 1500 feet usually, I order stay somewhat out of range of small arms and to be low enough to duck away from their fighter planes. My armored artillery battalion was usually with Second Armored Division and we had radio communication with the lead tanks so we could caution them as to what was up ahead out of their vision.
We at times flew very low. I remember one time in a wooded area finding myself directly above a group of German tanks with numerous ground personel. They looked up as surprised as we were. No doubt the noise of their tanks drowned out the sound of our plane, I was no more than a hundred feet in the air. I could see the look on their faces as they reached for their side arms. I did not waste any time hanging around looking for map coordinates so they got no artillery from us. That was near the end of the war and Ninth U S Army was moving fast as we overran their army. Somewhere west of Bielfeld.
The observer who was always in the seat behind and I developed keen eyes,believe me. . . Alert does not begin to describe our condition. We were Really in position to be of great help in a number of ways. As I am sure you know flying a cub as you do"
I'm planning to visit Joe next week, he kindly invited me to come even though his health is waning. We've met a couple of times before and E-mail each other on a regular basis. He is without doubt one of the most inspiring and humble persons I have had the pleasure of meeting. Please pray for him and I'll extend our thanks for his service from all L-4 enthusiasts on here and elsewhere.
Just (L-)4 fun/ Jörgen
