[jayastout]

While doing research for my last book I came across an unusual report made by 352nd FG pilots. They described engaging German fighters that appeared to have streamers or banners attached to them that trailed behind the aircraft by just a matter of feet.

Anyone know what these were? Were they intended to help identify formation leaders for the other members of the flight? Simple decoration? Or perhaps, the American pilots misunderstood what they saw? Any idea if this was a common practice--no other reports from the 352nd ever mentioned it.

The sighting involved pilots of the 352nd's 487th Fighter Squadron. They jumped three FW-190s that were working over a B-24 north of Osnabruck. The date was 9 April 44. Here's the quote:

"The 3 FW-190s bounced had 5 to 10 ft. black streamers on tail."

I can't figure out what use they might have been.

Anyone?