Dear Newcomer,

Cannot answer that question. I know the last name is of slavic derivation, maybe Polish, Ukrainian or Slovak, or yes, possibly Yugoslavian? All I know is he originally was a Yank in the RCAF.

To further illustrate the dangers of flying night photo missions, on the 14 February 1945, Lts. Kingdon Knapp/Robert Spaight in NS554 found their primary covered with cloud, so Knapp flew west of Krefeld, Holland for a target of opportunity without clouds for a photo run.

Spaight: "The pilot actuated the intervalometer set to release one flash bomb every 38 seconds. I gave Knapp our position line and he switched on the intervalometer, starting the photo run. One away...two away...after the ninth flash bomb released, we waited for the tenth.

"Suddenly, Knapp reached over to salvo the remaining bomb load. A spit-second after clearing the aircraft there was a brilliant blinding light beneath us and a horrendous explosion that abruptly jolted and violently threw the aircraft about. I was taken completely by surprise and did not have time to realize what had happened. The mental shock of what occurred caused my heart to beat heavily.

"Upon gaining control, we gathered our thoughts and quietly returned to Watton. After landing we climbed out and inspected the aircraft. No structural damage was evident, but heat generated from the exploding PFBs scorched off the entire paint covering the Mosquito lower surfaces. Somehow, Knapp knew the 10the flash bomb had partially hung-up and salvoed the entire load. How he deduced something was wrong, I don't know. I have always said, 'He saved my life'."

Norman Malayney