One of the best parts of Errol Flynn’s movie Operation Burma is the footage at the end showing glider ops including the snatch of a glider from the forward LZ by a transport plane.
So cool! They used the snatch method more in the CBI than the ETO. I read a really interesting study that they found it was less stressful on the engines of the C-47s to snatched them in the air rather than from traditional tow method. From what I read those in the glider said it was from 0 the speed of the tow plane in seconds and then smooth sailing.
Thanks for the update. I love the story of our brave airmen and soldiers in gliders during World War II. The allied struggle in the CBI theater is seldom discussed. Over 8,000 feet in a glider wow, now that takes some skill and a lot of courage. My military history friends are all talking about your book, Suicide Jockeys, the making of glider pilots in WWII. Keep up the good work!
8000 feet with two gliders in tow overloaded - one glider pilot stated that they the flight was smooth and uneventful until they started the descent from the altitude. As the gliders on attached to that plane surged forwards and back the tow rope snapped. It wasn't clear what happened next but it read like the tow rope for one glider that broke wrapped around the tip of the other gliders wing and broke of that section of it. He said the two gliders were in a death spiral - and then disconnected. I didn't use it because it wasn't really clear what happened. I believe that was the glider they had to make their way to Broadway over 10 days from. That is a story in itself! Thanks so much for sharing Suicide Jockeys!
Reading the details at the tactical level certainly drives home the recognition that these were extremely hazardous operations. Nothing but respect for those who were willing to undertake them.
I agree it makes one stand back and have a new appreciation for the entire military from the planners to the cooks. It took all parts to make it happen. I like the unique view from a medical perspective.
One of the best parts of Errol Flynn’s movie Operation Burma is the footage at the end showing glider ops including the snatch of a glider from the forward LZ by a transport plane.
So cool! They used the snatch method more in the CBI than the ETO. I read a really interesting study that they found it was less stressful on the engines of the C-47s to snatched them in the air rather than from traditional tow method. From what I read those in the glider said it was from 0 the speed of the tow plane in seconds and then smooth sailing.
Thanks for the update. I love the story of our brave airmen and soldiers in gliders during World War II. The allied struggle in the CBI theater is seldom discussed. Over 8,000 feet in a glider wow, now that takes some skill and a lot of courage. My military history friends are all talking about your book, Suicide Jockeys, the making of glider pilots in WWII. Keep up the good work!
8000 feet with two gliders in tow overloaded - one glider pilot stated that they the flight was smooth and uneventful until they started the descent from the altitude. As the gliders on attached to that plane surged forwards and back the tow rope snapped. It wasn't clear what happened next but it read like the tow rope for one glider that broke wrapped around the tip of the other gliders wing and broke of that section of it. He said the two gliders were in a death spiral - and then disconnected. I didn't use it because it wasn't really clear what happened. I believe that was the glider they had to make their way to Broadway over 10 days from. That is a story in itself! Thanks so much for sharing Suicide Jockeys!
Reading the details at the tactical level certainly drives home the recognition that these were extremely hazardous operations. Nothing but respect for those who were willing to undertake them.
I agree it makes one stand back and have a new appreciation for the entire military from the planners to the cooks. It took all parts to make it happen. I like the unique view from a medical perspective.