Drug usage in US or british Air Force?

[Jens]

Did the allied pilot had something similar, to german pervitin?

[Ruy Horta]

To give some history to this thread:

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...highlight=drug

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showth...highlight=drug

[Jon]

Many RAF bomber command books written by the verterans themselves often mention "stay awake" pills.
I have not heard of any USAF crews being issued with drugs , and would have thought that only the night bomber and fighter crews of both sides would have required any help in staying awake.

[keith A]

In a TV programme a battle of britain pilot claimed that one of his squadron, (92 Squadron, which if John Kent is to be believed was a pretty wild bunch) was using amphetamines during the battle. My recollection is that Geoff Wellum made the claim, and that the pilot was Bob Holland, but my memory might be tricking me. That "uppers" combined with all-night piano playing and beer kept him sharp! Given that Holland served throughout the war, and scored six victories he seems to have been pretty able.

I have looked at this before and it would appear that amphetamines were used by a number of aircrew. I also recently read that there was some drug use by RFC pilots in the Great War.

[Nick Beale]

The official issue "uppers" of the time were benzedrine tablets, IIRC.

As for drug use in general, there was a vast amount of alcohol drunk and the majority adults appear to have smoked like trains.

[Jon]

I know 238 when in the West country during the summer of 1940 were partial to a drop of scrumpy ! Not sure what they found the hardest, the Luftwaffe or six pints of warm , lumpy scrumpy cider....!

[Jens]

Very interesting hints, ty!

[yogybär]

Hallo Jens... For example Clostermann used Benzedrin (and Alcohol LOL).

[Jens]

Good hint Jörg ty!