Mules in the CG-4A "Flying Coffin"

One of the more unusual glider loads of WWII

Probably one of the most unusual cargoes hauled into the China Burma India Theater (CBI) by Troop Carrier planes and gliders were mules, horses and ponies. The mules replaced the mechanized supply line of the troops in the jungle terrain. Due the rough terrain and conditions jeeps were unable to go where the Chindit troops under the British General Orde Wingate went. Many of the troops and pilots responsible for delivering these loads had no experience with horses and mules. This made loading and securing them safely a new challenge to be met. Fortunately, there were those in their ranks that had previous equine experience and this made the job much and easier and safer for all involved. As demonstrated by the photos the loading and unloading was much easier in the CG-4A due to its lower profile and open space that allowed light in. The C-47 steep ramp would raise difficulties both loading and unloading due the angle which would be treacherous when wet and the dark interior which would give any equine pause. Surprisingly to many the mules adapted to glider flight and landing quite well, banking with the turns and remaining calm during the rough landings. However, one opinionated mule made his displeasure known by kicking in glider flight. The glider pilot reportedly stated it was this mule that made history with the highest kick on record - at 8000 feet while crossing the Himalayas.

Upon the gliders landing the mules in small clearings they were then unloaded and readied for their mission. Here the glider pilots and the mules parted company. To call the mission the mules and men whom they accompanied as brutal would be an understatement. While they readied to disappear into the jungle for months at a time, the role of the glider pilots in the CBI differed from that of the glider pilot in the European Theater (ETO). Trained in jungle warfare, immediately upon landing the glider pilots fanned out and set up a perimeter guard in event of Japanese attack. Engineers then operated bulldozers and constructed temporary landing strips for the C-47s to arrive and deliver more troops, mules, weapons etc.. For the most part the runway was constructed in a short matter of time and then abandoned before the Japanese could bomb it with the glider pilots guarding the perimeter the entire time. At this point in the war in the Pacific

the Allies did not have air superiority so quick landings and quick departures before the Japanese could locate them was the order of the day. The idea was when the Japanese would arrive the landing strip was abandoned and the ground troops had melted away in the jungle - both unable to be located.

The gliders ability to landing in small clearings as opposed to long runways is what made it possible to penetrate the jungle with the C-47s. As can be expected not all gliders made successful landings and the heavy loads consisting of bulldozers and other heavy equipment made those mishaps deadly. To date I have not come across a report of a glider with mules in it crash landing although with the lack of complete records it may well have happened.

Little else is reported on these intrepid animals that served as the lifeline for food, weapons and survival for the troops on the ground. But it is reminder that the equine has served man in war prior to mechanized warfare and continued to do so adapting as well as man did to flight. They are another of my favorite unsung heroes who met the challenge of flight in the “flying coffins” along with the glider pilots and helped turn the tide of the wars in the Pacific Theater.

Photos Courtesy of Fold 3