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#11
Military (and other) History / British Lancaster Crewman Jump...
Last post by ArizonaTank - April 02, 2024, 02:07:07 PMIf you are looking for an amazing WWII tale, AI Copilot just reminded me of one:
On the night of March 24, 1944, 21-year-old Nicholas Alkemade was serving as a tail gunner in an Avro Lancaster B Mk. II bomber of No. 115 Squadron RAF. Their aircraft, with the serial number DS664, had just completed a bombing raid on Berlin and was returning when it was attacked by a German Junkers Ju 88 night-fighter flown by Hauptmann Heinz Rökker of Nachtjagdgeschwader 2. The Lancaster caught fire and began spiraling out of control.
In a desperate situation, Alkemade's parachute caught fire and became unserviceable. Rather than facing the horrifying prospect of burning to death, he made a fateful decision. At an altitude of 18,000 feet (5,490 meters), Alkemade jumped from the aircraft without a parachute. His intention was to die on impact rather than endure the flames.
Miraculously, his fall was broken by pine trees and a soft snow cover on the ground. Despite the tremendous height, Alkemade survived with only a sprained leg. Tragically, the Lancaster crashed and burst into flames, resulting in the death of the pilot, Jack Newman, and three other crew members.
Alkemade was subsequently captured by the Germans and interviewed by the Gestapo. Initially skeptical of his claim to have fallen without a parachute, they examined the wreckage of the aircraft and found his parachute exactly as he had described it. They even issued him a certificate testifying to this incredible feat. Alkemade became a celebrated prisoner of war before being repatriated in May 1945.
After the war, Nicholas Alkemade worked in the chemical industry. His story remains one of the most astonishing survival tales in aviation history. In honor of his achievements during World War II, 115 Squadron at RAF Wittering renamed a building as "The Alkemade Building" in January 2020.
And if you don't trust AI...here is what the RAF museum says.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/the-indestructible-alkemade/
On the night of March 24, 1944, 21-year-old Nicholas Alkemade was serving as a tail gunner in an Avro Lancaster B Mk. II bomber of No. 115 Squadron RAF. Their aircraft, with the serial number DS664, had just completed a bombing raid on Berlin and was returning when it was attacked by a German Junkers Ju 88 night-fighter flown by Hauptmann Heinz Rökker of Nachtjagdgeschwader 2. The Lancaster caught fire and began spiraling out of control.
In a desperate situation, Alkemade's parachute caught fire and became unserviceable. Rather than facing the horrifying prospect of burning to death, he made a fateful decision. At an altitude of 18,000 feet (5,490 meters), Alkemade jumped from the aircraft without a parachute. His intention was to die on impact rather than endure the flames.
Miraculously, his fall was broken by pine trees and a soft snow cover on the ground. Despite the tremendous height, Alkemade survived with only a sprained leg. Tragically, the Lancaster crashed and burst into flames, resulting in the death of the pilot, Jack Newman, and three other crew members.
Alkemade was subsequently captured by the Germans and interviewed by the Gestapo. Initially skeptical of his claim to have fallen without a parachute, they examined the wreckage of the aircraft and found his parachute exactly as he had described it. They even issued him a certificate testifying to this incredible feat. Alkemade became a celebrated prisoner of war before being repatriated in May 1945.
After the war, Nicholas Alkemade worked in the chemical industry. His story remains one of the most astonishing survival tales in aviation history. In honor of his achievements during World War II, 115 Squadron at RAF Wittering renamed a building as "The Alkemade Building" in January 2020.
And if you don't trust AI...here is what the RAF museum says.
https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/the-indestructible-alkemade/
#12
References and Research / Re: Want to buy used military ...
Last post by Jarhead0331 - April 01, 2024, 09:23:27 AMWhere's Toonces? He used to fly those.
#13
References and Research / Re: Want to buy used military ...
Last post by Tripoli - April 01, 2024, 08:04:46 AMQuote from: ArizonaTank on March 31, 2024, 11:31:08 AMQuote from: W8taminute on March 31, 2024, 09:51:59 AMFound this site from another forum I frequent. This place is in Miami. Seems legit to me, but I don't think anyone can request a quote and buy what they're selling.
https://www.generalequipment.info/
Good stuff...
And for those who want more...the US Govt. auctions directly to the public.
For example, a "scrap" P-3 Orion on auction until 4/11. Starting bid is $1000. Currently no bidders. Wouldn't that look great in your back-yard?
https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/278417
...
Damn-That's the AEW version. I was looking for an Update III.....
#14
Organizations and Equipment / Re: Planes!
Last post by GDS_Starfury - March 31, 2024, 09:16:36 PM
#15
References and Research / Re: Want to buy used military ...
Last post by ArizonaTank - March 31, 2024, 11:31:08 AMQuote from: W8taminute on March 31, 2024, 09:51:59 AMFound this site from another forum I frequent. This place is in Miami. Seems legit to me, but I don't think anyone can request a quote and buy what they're selling.
https://www.generalequipment.info/
Good stuff...
And for those who want more...the US Govt. auctions directly to the public.
For example, a "scrap" P-3 Orion on auction until 4/11. Starting bid is $1000. Currently no bidders. Wouldn't that look great in your back-yard?
https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/278417
or...a Blackhawk helicopter for $250,000 starting bid. Auction ends April 4. Forget DCS...empty out your 401K and fly the real thing.
https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/277606
or...60 cases of Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Baby Wipes, one day left, current bid is $25....(oh never-mind..).
https://gsaauctions.gov/auctions/preview/277950
#16
References and Research / Want to buy used military equi...
Last post by W8taminute - March 31, 2024, 09:51:59 AMFound this site from another forum I frequent. This place is in Miami. Seems legit to me, but I don't think anyone can request a quote and buy what they're selling.
https://www.generalequipment.info/
https://www.generalequipment.info/
#17
Organizations and Equipment / Re: Planes!
Last post by Staggerwing - March 29, 2024, 08:20:44 AMQuote from: GDS_Starfury on March 29, 2024, 07:27:41 AM
"Is that Carling-drinking guard still standing on top?"
#18
Organizations and Equipment / Re: Planes!
Last post by GDS_Starfury - March 29, 2024, 07:27:41 AM
#19
Military (and other) History / Re: USS New Jersey on the move
Last post by Jarhead0331 - March 21, 2024, 05:47:42 PMI attended a wedding on this ship. It was glorious.
#20