PBS Secrets of the Dead

[Nihonjin]

Hi!
A while ago on another discussion group it was pointed out to me that there were rumors of armless pilots found dead after using the ejection seat of the Do 335. Supposedly the release for the canopy was attached to the canopy. I remembered that I had read about that in one of Brown's books.
His actual report in 'Wings of the Luftwaffe" (1977) has no mention of armless pilots. Puzzled I finally found the story in 'Wings on My Sleeve'.
It was told to him by captured Luftwaffe personnel.

I have been since told the location of the canopy release on the Do 335 is not in a dangerous location. I suppose a trip to the Smithsonian would clear up any questions since they have the only Do 335 left.

So this is not the first time I have come across conflicting information from Brown.

-Gene

[Richard T. Eger]

Dear All,

Changing subjects, I was tentatively thinking about buying this video and luckily ran across it on PBS. It is another slapdash history not worth my money. If they think I'm going to believe that someone had a color camera available to film someone trying to spirit a woman to the West, well, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell to that same person. Also, the color "flight" scenes of an Me 262 were pure computer graphics and not all that good, either. This is a hodgepodge affair. If there are certain scenes that really captured something you are interested in, buy it. Otherwise, save your money for a more worthy effort.

Regards,
Richard

[Nihonjin]

Richard:
I have to agree with you about the overall quality of the show. One needs to separate facts from opinion. The recent interviews with actual participants are of the most value. Shows like this usually peak my curiosity enough to read more about the subject...ask more questions...learn something about the past. Brown's recent interview in my opinion rings true. He actually believes what he is telling us. What I want to know is why he didn't tell us this in 1977 in his book. Again this is my opinion: He is a heck of a story teller.

-Gene