Circus, Ramrods, Rhubarbs & Sweeps July 1941

[Franek Grabowski]

Originally Posted by timothy

First - see my PM - I've tried twice today to mail you the photo without success.

Reply send.

1. Comfort, Cramped, Air Conditioning. Someone has to be joking?? We did not build for comfort - just for economic efficiency - not for people pleasure.

Well, it everything goes for combat efficiency and is a simple calculation of cost of an airman and an aircraft. Even such a simple thing like a floor could save one's life if he dropped his maps. Perhaps British industry did not calculate in the way?

I never felt 'cramped'. In fact, it is always said that, in the Spitfire, you were a part of it. Certainly no ashtrays as in US versions, where you were almost a passenger!! And why more space? To lay back in? OK - on a many hour sortie into Germany, yes. Otherwise??

I suppose it depends on size of a pilot. I know the taller ones complained a lot about it. I think it is more in ergonomy than actual space available. The one did not need a lot of room in Fw 190 as he had everything in the right place.

Air Conditioning? You mean Climate Control? We had it. The higher you flew the colder!! Did any WWII aircraft actually have it?

I believe American and German fighters had a regulated ventilation. Am I wrong?
Several veterans I have talked to, complained that it was really tiring during trips to France, when they had to change altitude several times, and it was not possible to have a proper set of clothes. I think such a 1,5-2 hrs ride could have been enough to get a cold.

More money than sense? The Typhoon? Acres of room!

Well, I am not sure if I would fit into the cockpit and I do not feel oversized! Nonetheless I get your word onto it.

2. 190 - Tangmere 1945. Zeke - India 1945.

Thanks. Was it a pleasure flying?

3. U-2? Caveat - 'Ooh dvah' or 'oochebney'. A biplane ambulance - rather like a pregnant Fox Moth!!

By ambulance do you mean it had an enclosed back cockpit or rather two containers on wings? Later known as Po-2, we still have few flying in Poland. It is interesting to note, that this 1926 design originated from Avro 504!
One more thing, a BoB Hurricane veteran once told me that they were faced with the choice of using fuselage tank first, risking explosion of fumes in case of direct hit, or to keep it full as long as possible risking severe burns. Do you remember such discussions?
Best wishes