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The Second World War in General Please use this forum to discuss other World War Two related subjects not covered by the main categories.

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Old 13th October 2017, 19:02
billrunnels billrunnels is offline
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Hard Stand Sounds/Aromas....

On mission mornings my memory holds the muted sound of the auxiliary power units (APU) from around the field greeting us on arrival at the aircraft. Bombs had been loaded during the night and the 50 cal. gun barrels placed in a neat row on the ground. On opening the nose hatch of the B-17 and pitching in my parachute, bombardier case,two gun barrels,then swinging up into the aircraft a few groans from my added weight were forthcoming. On a damp, cool, misty morning , the odor inside was like that of a museum being opened to the morning fresh air. Other groans, soft voices and a slight movement of the airframe became prominent as crew members completed their pre-flight duties. "Walking through the props" was the next crew assignment. This produced a low growl bearing noise with each revolution of the propellers. With the crew back on board the awaited "start engines" command was received. The first sign of bomber life gushed forth in a belch of black smoke from the exhaust of #3 engine. The sleeping giant was alive and from that moment on became a bee-hive of activity that continued until we returned to the hard stand and shut down the engines.
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Bill Runnels, B-17 bombardier
8th Air Force, 303bg, 360bs

Last edited by billrunnels; 15th October 2017 at 01:57.
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Old 16th December 2017, 00:32
blackdog blackdog is offline
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Re: Hard Stand Sounds/Aromas....

That is beautifully descriptive

The smells would be engine oil? That metallic smell? Petrol?

Was there a tarmac smell or was it all concrete around the work areas on the station?

Was there a smell to the parachute packs?

I recall reading of an incident where in the course of attack a container of pee went all over the place and it was nice to know they all came back to laugh about it
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