Hi Phil,
Quote:
Originally Posted by philippe1
not much attention is given to those people but thanks to them planes kept on flying.
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Yes, the schwarzen Männer are generally neglected. If you're interested in learning more about their contribution, find a copy of this book:
"Schlachtfeld Luftfahrzeug: Der Einsatz der schwarzen Männer im II. Weltkrieg" by Harald Vogt
Flugzeug Publikations, 1994, ISBN: 3-927132-21-7, 208 pages, German text
The back cover states that the author "would like to pay tribute to the many unknown aircraft maintenance workers and mechanics who fought an almost invisible war against losses, damage, and lack of replacement parts."
The book covers the organization, training, tasks and daily routine of the ground crews. It also contains personal accounts, sample documents, manuals, and many B/W photos. (About 40% of the content is text, the rest is pictorial.)
Excellent book, and the only one that I'm aware of on this subject.
Hope that helps,
Leon Venter