Code name and nickname

[CJE]

To our German-speaking members (and the others too...).

- What is exacty a "Bodenplatte"?
- Why was the Il-2 nicknamed "Zementer"?

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[WEISNER]

Bodenplatte=Baseplate
Zementer=Cement bomber?
K->

[Pilot]

Plate for covering
Cement plane- because of the resistant to the ground fire.

[Franek Grabowski]

I am wondering if Concrete or Concrete Bomber would not be more appropriate translation into English, but I must admit I have never seen any such nickname first hand. I wrote an article on development and history of Il-2 based on Russian sources, and I would say there is so much myth around the aircraft, that even nicknames are not true.

[CJE]

I agree with you Franek, many "urban legends" tied to nicknames such as the "Whispering death".
But "Zementer" is found in many German pilots personal accounts, like "Indianer" or "dicke Autos".

[Pilot]

Isn't "whisper death" nick for the Corsair?

[Peter D Evans]

"Whispering Death" was the nickname given to the Beaufighter by the Japaneses...

Kind regards,

Peter D Evans
LEMB Administrator

[CJE]

Whispering Death was the supposedly nickname given by the Japanese to the Beaufighter. Must be some kind of an Aussie urban legend.
If I were a Japanese soldier in New Guinea being strafed by Beaus, I'd have given them a more appropriate nickname that decency forbids me to write here!

[Pilot]

Thank you Peter and CJE Long time ago I read some translated text from some west book where was stated that wing root intake of Corsair make specific sound and Japanese in this reason call it as I have mention above. As CJE state in one topic- many old books contain error.

Thanks again

[HARD_Sarge]

I think for the Corsair, the name you are looking for is Whisling Death

the BF got on you before you knew it, the Corsair let you know it was coming