Bf 110 Signal Pistol Storage

[Chris Goss]

Bit of a strange request but I am sure Maestro Vasco will know but where would the flare pistol be stored in a Bf 110 and who would usually/normally operate it?

[George Hopp]

Sorry that it's not John responding, but I also have a vague understanding of the Bf110. All Bf110F/G Manuals, Part 0 (General info) agree that the "flare pistol, its ammunition, and gas masks are all installed in the observer's cockpit."

[carlmu]

For those who might not have seen the flare pistol I attach a photo taken some weeks ago. You will also see remains of a MG 17 and the pilot's dagger, which belonged to Erich Groth. With his Bordfunker Herbert Muche the crashed their Bf 110 E-1, M8+KC August 12 1941 in Fødalen in Ål, Norway.
Marry Christmas from Oslo!
Carl

[Chris Goss]

Thanks George. Does anyone have a schematic/photo as to where it would have been stowed?

[Dan Gilberti]

From Bf 110 analysis
no draw for moment
Bsrg, Dan

[George Hopp]

I have yet to find a photo or drawing of the internal stowage location for the flare gun, but the firing port is as shown in this photo from "Walk Around. Messerschmitt Bf 110G. No. 24" page 26.

Attachment 4041

Hope this helps, and Merry Christmas.
George

[ClinA-78]

Hello gents,

It may be interesting albeit a little bit late.
I have just received a double-barrelled flare gun (Fl.24483) coming from a Bf 110 crashsite, more precisely from Bf 110 G-4 WNr.6282 3C+WB from 3./NJG 4. The aircraft crashed SE Hirson (North of France) on the 15-16/07/43. It was flown by Hptm. Paul-Hubert RAUH.
This rare artefact survived incredibly the crash (with the shock the 'pontet' was crushed by the aperture lever) only 'robbed' by a French 'souvenir hunter'.
I have some questions:

1°) Was this Leuchtpistole normally operated by the bordfunker (it rests generally in his leather case) or by the bordschutze through a special aperture (doubtful)?

2°) It was said - in a previous thread -that this Bf 110 was claimed by F/O Harold White of 141 Sqn (Beaufighter?). I would like to have a confirmation of this claim please.

Thank you of your attention.

Best regards

ClinA-78

[junker]

In a heinkel 111 the SLD flare gun was a part of the communication equippment,the aircraft radio operator got the code flares and flare gun in a leather case or a little wood box before mission.The flare code system vas used when other communication system was none operative.This information i got from a old KG100 pilot,he flew his Heinkel in norway in april 1940.it was possible to opend some of the small cockpit frame windows,i think one of this windows was used if use of flare gun was wanted.

You have pictures of the flare gun ?

[brommer66]

Originally Posted by ClinA-78

2°) It was said - in a previous thread -that this Bf 110 was claimed by F/O Harold White of 141 Sqn (Beaufighter?). I would like to have a confirmation of this claim please.

ClinA-78

Hello ClinA-78
I am new here and this is my first post, because I happen to run into your post while looking for information about 141 Squadron.
Not sure if this is still relevant, this post is about a year old, but I think I can confirm that this 110 was indeed shot down by F/O Harold (Harry) White together with his navigator Michael Allen. The name Rauh sounds familar from what I read in Michael Allen's book "Pursuit through darkened skies". I need to get back with you later this weekend, need to look it up in the book, and can then also tell you if it was with a Beau or a Mosquito they flew in.
Cheers
Jos

[ClinA-78]

Hello,

I hope the pic will be attached. If so, enjoy.
Note the bent aperture lever.

Best regards

ClinA-78