German B-24

[chuckschmitz]

I was reading an account of a B-24 raid into northern Poland. In the story one of the pilots stated that there was rumor that the Germans had an olive drab painted B-24 that would trail a formation and provide info to incoming fighters. Anyone have an details? Or if it was a true story or really just a rumor. Thanks.

Chuck

[John Beaman]

Just old vet rumors. While the Germans had at least one flying B-24, I have yet to see one in anything but German markings.

They were far too valuable as a teaching tool to be used to shadow raids.

[chuckschmitz]

That is what I expected to hear but you never know...

Chuck

[Peglar]

Look here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zirkus_Rosarius

[chuckschmitz]

Thanks, much appreciated.

Chuck

[Nick Beale]

Would you want to fly what appeared to be a US bomber in company with other US bombers when you knew your own fighters were coming? Apart from the lack of evidence from the German side that captured machines were used as contact keepers, it just seems an inherently bad idea.

Anyway, was locating and tracking USAAF formations in daylight that big a problem for the Germans?

[edwest]

I don't think it is out of the question. As is well known, Allied bombers on their way to their apparent target would turn to attack elsewhere. Even if the B-24 flew with complete American markings, intercepting craft could have been warned of its presence. Also, "stragglers" in bomber formations were real. Though no confirmed reports exist, reports of mysterious bombers flying out of formation were made. Again, I'm not asserting the reports were accurate but KG 200 was known for trying different things.



Ed

[Snautzer]

Listening in to communication would be valuable, not only target prediction but as a "Y service" getting info on wavelengths of the different systems etc.

[Nick Beale]

Originally Posted by edwest

Even if the B-24 flew with complete American markings, intercepting craft could have been warned of its presence.

Again, I'm not asserting the reports were accurate but KG 200 was known for trying different things.

Ed

(a) Even with such warnings, would you want to rely on them making the distinction? Friendly fire was a big enough problem, so imagine what it would be like if you were disguised as an unfriendly aircraft.

(b) Oddly we seem to be much better informed about KG 200's activities than many less secret units.