Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian
"A survivor reported seeing the Luftwaffe plane floating in the water fifty yards from him. The crew stood on the wing as men from the Lancastria shouted 'Murder the bastards!' But one of the Germans brandished a Luger pistol, and the British (survivor?) kept away until he was picked up by a Royal Navy destroyer."
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Just about to read that book myself. I'm just finishing another two full of eye witness reports. So far none of them mention a German in the drink! When it comes to the aircraft involved most are contradictory as to the number of bombers, the number of bombs that hit, the attendance of the RAF, the type of aircraft etc. One even claimed that the ship was bombed by the French! What is clear is that the "British" were too busy trying not to drown to bother with a downed Jerry.
I think this report is wishful thinking as it is not substantiated by any other, British or German. There were only two destroyers around and neither reported picking up German prisoners.
There are a number of reports of one Hurricane pilot dropping his Mae West to a survivor. It would be nice to find out which pilot that was.
Mark.