Quote:
Originally Posted by Hallvor
Sorry for this silly question, but I could not find an answer to this. In case of a bomber being damaged over enemy territory and the pilot for some reason had to land it, was there an order that the crew attempt to destroy the aircraft to avoid it falling into the hands of the enemy?
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Not a silly question Hallvor, Luftwaffe crews always tried to destroy their aircraft that landed in Neutral Ireland and usually succeeded in activating the destruct device. RAF and FAA crews usually destroyed or attempted in the case of the equipment ie radio and radar on board in accordance with instructions for landing in neutral countries. In the case of Ireland this was amended in 1944 to not destroy their equipment and that every assistance would be afforded to the crews and aircraft to get away or be dismantled and returned. We were neutral of course!
Tony K