Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.

elmshoot

My Feedback: (6)

The German guy who invented the prop synchronizer with the machine gun.
Sparky

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

If you mean the Dutchman, Anthony Fokker, you don't get a cigar, elmshoot. But you do get a bonus clue for participation. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Afternoon clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Evening clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.
17. His innovation was much appreciated, and utilized, by a certain baron.

proptop

My Feedback: (8)

Wow...
Ummm...
Huh???

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Yes, proptop; THAT baron used it. And, on his last flight. And yes, the clue may be confusing to some; but is obvious when you think about it. This innovation was ubiquitous.Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.
17. His innovation was much appreciated, and utilized, by a certain baron.
18. And one of his later innovations was popular with almost every one.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Afternoon clue. And clues 17, 18 and 19 are giveaways. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.
17. His innovation was much appreciated, and utilized, by a certain baron.
18. And one of his later innovations was popular with almost every one.
19. He had friends and active supporters in VERY high places.

elmshoot

My Feedback: (6)

I have no clue i referred this to my brain trust one thought it was a WW1 guy who was a Admiral in the USN
Sparky

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Keep the brain trust engaged, Sparky. This next clue may well trigger an answer. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.
17. His innovation was much appreciated, and utilized, by a certain baron.
18. And one of his later innovations was popular with almost every one.
19. He had friends and active supporters in VERY high places.
20. Prior to the start of WWII, he was actively involved in photography.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Morning clue. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.
17. His innovation was much appreciated, and utilized, by a certain baron.
18. And one of his later innovations was popular with almost every one.
19. He had friends and active supporters in VERY high places.
20. Prior to the start of WWII, he was actively involved in photography.
21. Covert photography.

SimonCraig1

Sidney Cotton, who designed the Sidcot suit.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

That's the pilot, SimonCraig1; and you're up. Great job! The Sidcot Suit was a great innovation, keeping the British pilots warm, and therefore more comfortable and alert. It was the first thing taken from a captured British pilot, and highly prized by their German captors. Richthofen was wearing one when he was shot down. Take it away. Thanks; Ernie P.


Question: What warbird pilot do I describe?

Clues:

1. This pilot is noted, not for his score, but for his brilliance.
2. In fact, I have found no record of his ever having scored a victory.
3. He produced an innovation which had a more profound impact upon the combat arms than might at first be realized.
4. His innovation was in daily service for more than forty years in its original form; and is still in use today in adapted forms.
5. He always received full credit for his innovation, but never received, not do he ever request, any financial reward.
6. He was a cowboy of sorts.
7. He qualified as a pilot after a remarkably short period of instruction.
8. He initially flew sea patrols.
9. He flew night missions for a while.
10. His own writings indicate he cared for neither.
11. He was given an extended leave for medical reasons.
12. He was then assigned to duty on the Western Front.
13. He had disagreements with his superiors and resigned.
14. It might be noted that his account of his career is occasionally at odds with the official record.
15. Still, his later career reads like a true to life Ian Fleming novel.
16. He was rich… several times… and rather poor in between. And he died poor.
17. His innovation was much appreciated, and utilized, by a certain baron.
18. And one of his later innovations was popular with almost every one.
19. He had friends and active supporters in VERY high places.
20. Prior to the start of WWII, he was actively involved in photography.
21. Covert photography.
22. His original innovation, the first of several, was still in use.
23. The origin of his original innovation occurred when his unit has to take off suddenly and unexpectedly. He was dressed in his very filthy coveralls and did not have time to change to his flying clothing.

Answer: Flight Sub-Lieutenant Sydney Cotton


In 1917 Flight Sub-Lieutenant Sydney Cotton of the Royal Naval Air Service developed a flying overall that helped to protect pilots from the harsh elements and low temperatures found during flight in aircraft with open cockpits. This very efficient item of protective flying clothing became highly prized by all aircrew issued with them....and was the first item to be 'confiscated' from a British pilot taken prisoner by the Germans. Richthofen was wearing one when he was shot down.
The Sidcot was in continual use with the RNAS, the RFC and the Royal Air Force, the Fleet Air Arm and the Army Air Corp, in modified and adapted forms, right up to the 1950's. The Sidcot is the forerunner of all the flying suits used throughout and above the world since then and today.

Frederick Sidney Cotton OBE (17 June 1894 – 13 February 1969) was an Australian inventor, photographer and aviation and photography pioneer, responsible for developing and promoting an early colour film process, and largely responsible for the development of photographic reconnaissance before and during the Second World War. He numbered among his close friends George Eastman, Ian Fleming and Winston Churchill.

Frederick Sidney Cotton was born on 17 June 1894 on a cattle station at Goorganga, near Proserpine, Queensland.[SUP][1][/SUP] He was the third child of Alfred and Annie Cotton, who were involved in pastoralism. Cotton was educated at The Southport School in Queensland and later in 1910, he and his family went to England where he attended Cheltenham College; however the family returned to Australia in 1912. Cotton worked as a jackeroo, training to work with livestock at stations in New South Wales up until the outbreak of war.

Cotton went back to England to join the Royal Naval Air Service in November 1915. After only five hours solo flying, he qualified as a combat pilot, and initially flew Channel patrols. Cotton went on to participate in night bombing sorties over France and Germany with Nos 3 and 5 Wings. His experience with high level and low-temperature flying led Cotton in 1917 to develop the revolutionary new "Sidcot" suit, a flying suit which solved the problem pilots had in keeping warm in the cockpit. This flying suit was widely used by the RAF until the 1950s. Cotton continued with No. 8 Squadron RNAS in 1917 where he was promoted to Flight Sub-Lieutenant in June 1917. Soon after, he came into conflict with senior officers, and resigned his commission in October 1917.

After leaving military service, Cotton married in London a 17-year-old actress, Regmor Agnes Maclean, in October 1917, with whom he had a son. After the war he spent time in Tasmania, then returned to England where he continued his passion for flying. In 1920, he embarked on an unsuccessful attempt to fly from England to South Africa, and also made a lucky escape from a crash at the Aerial Derby. Cotton then spent three years working in Newfoundland flying various assignments.

Following the divorce from his first wife the previous year, in 1926, Cotton married 18-year-old Millicent Joan Henry whom he had met in Canada. From this time up until the outbreak of the Second World War, Cotton led a colourful and eventful life; he took part in various business activities, including an airborne seal-spotting service as well as aerial search and rescue operations for lost explorers in Newfoundland and Greenland.

Shortly before the Second World War, Cotton was recruited by Fred Winterbotham (then of MI6) to take clandestine aerial photographs of the German military buildup. Using his status as a wealthy and prominent private aviator currently promoting his film business (and using a series of other subterfuges including taking on the guise of an archaeologist or a film producer looking for locations), a series of flights provided valuable information about German naval activity and troop buildups. He equipped the civilian Lockheed 12A business aircraft, G-AFTL, with three F24 cameras concealed behind panels which could be slid aside and operated by pressing a button under the pilot's seat, and a Leica behind a similar panel in the wings. Warm cabin air was diverted to prevent condensation on optical surfaces. Cotton took his secretary Patricia Martin along, and she too took photographs in flight. Although his flight plans were dictated by the German government, he consistently managed to get away with flying off-track over military installations. Cotton had a very persuasive manner, and exploited any advantage he could.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

More info. Thanks; Ernie P.


In 1939, Cotton took aerial photos during a flight over parts of the Middle East and North Africa. On the eve of war, he even managed to engineer a "joy-ride" over German military airfields on one occasion, accompanied by senior Luftwaffe officer Albert Kesselring. With Kesselring at the controls, Cotton reached under his seat, operated the cameras, and captured the airfield on film. Cotton later offered to fly Hermann Gφring to London for talks a week before outbreak of hostilities, and claimed that his was the last civilian aircraft to leave Berlin before the outbreak of hostilities. One biography is titled Sidney Cotton: The Last Plane Out of Berlin commemorating this escapade.

Appointed as a Squadron Leader and honorary Wing Commander on 22 September 1939, in the same period, Cotton was recruited to head up the fledgling RAF 1 Photographic Development Unit (PDU) at Heston Aerodrome. This unit provided important intelligence leading to successful air raids on key enemy installations. With his experience and knowledge gained over Germany and other overflights, Cotton greatly improved the RAF's photo reconnaissance capabilities. The PDU was originally equipped with Bristol Blenheims, but Cotton considered these quite unsuitable, being far too slow, and he consequently "wheedled" a couple of Supermarine Spitfires. These Spitfires, later augmented by de Havilland Mosquitos, were steadily adapted to fly higher and faster, with a highly polished surface, a special blue - "PRU Blue" - camouflage scheme developed by Cotton himself, and a series of modifications to the engines to produce more power at high altitudes. In 1940, Cotton also personally made another important reconnaissance flight with his Lockheed 12A over Azerbaijan via Iraq as part of Operation Pike.

Under his leadership, the 1 PDU acquired the nicknames, "Cotton's Club" or the less flattering "Cotton's Crooks" (mainly due to Cotton's propensity to flout regulations). Cotton revelled in his reputation as unorthodox, and even had a special badge struck bearing the initials "CC-11" that signified the 11th commandment – "Thou shalt not be found out."

Cotton's aerial photographs were far ahead of their time. Together with other members of the 1 PDU, he pioneered the techniques of high-altitude, high-speed stereoscopic photography that were instrumental in revealing the locations of many crucial military and intelligence targets. R.V. Jones recounts in his memoirs how these photographs were used to establish the size and the characteristic launching mechanisms for both the V-1 flying bomb and the V-2 rocket. Cotton also worked on ideas such as a prototype specialist reconnaissance aircraft and further refinements of photographic equipment.

By mid-1940 however, Cotton had clashed with senior officials in the Air Ministry over his participation in the evacuation of British agents from France under the cover name of "Special Survey Flights." After his return from France couriering Marcel Boussac, the head of the Christian Dior garment and perfume empire, for a fee, he was removed from his post and banned from any involvement with air operations. Following several efforts to be reinstated, even involving Churchill himself, Cotton resigned his commission; he was nevertheless awarded an OBE. For the remainder of the war, Cotton acted as an unofficial consultant to the Admiralty. Under the new designation, 1 Photographic Reconnaissance Unit (PRU), based at RAF Benson, 1 PRU went on to a distinguished wartime record, eventually operating five squadrons out of a number of bases. Succeeding commanding officers would emulate the spirit and innovative techniques pioneered by Cotton.

Sidney Cotton's postwar Lockheed 12A

In September 1940, Cotton's modified Lockheed 12A (G-AFTL), was severely damaged in an air raid at Heston Aerodrome. It was rebuilt by Lockheed, sold in British Honduras, and in 1948 registered in the US as N12EJ; the aircraft resided in Florida in 1992. His postwar Lockheed 12A (G-AGTL) also survives in France in 2005.

In September 1940, Cotton pursued the idea of an airborne searchlight for night-fighters, that he termed 'Aerial Target Illumination' (ATI). He enlisted the help of William Helmore, and they jointly took out patents on the techniques (GB574970 and GB575093). Helmore, a serving RAF officer, then sponsored the development of what became known as Turbinlite.

In 1948, Cotton spent time in the service of Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad State. Using unarmed Avro Lancastrian transports, he organised airlifts of armaments, supplies and medicines from Hyderabad State during the advance of the Indian Army into Pakistan during formation executing Operation Polo, he was hired by HH Prince Mohammed Bakhtawar Khan (Direct descendent Kaim Khani Dynasty) and his eldest son H. E. Prince Mumtaz Ali Khan (Kaim Khani) - First Muslim kaimkhani MNA Hyderabad, Deccan, India to bring urgent Gold reserves for their close friend and founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah to establish the urgent banking structure to pay urgent expenses on the formation of the new country and Government. For his activities in Hyderabad, he was convicted and fined 200 pounds in a British Court.

In 1951, Cotton married Thelma "Bunty" Brooke-Smith in what was his third marriage. Thelma was his former secretary, with whom he was to have another son and daughter.

In 1955, Cotton's death was erroneously reported in Flight magazine. A subsequent issue reported: "MR. F. SIDNEY COTTON has goodhumouredly characterised as "greatly exaggerated" the report of his death, quoted in our issue of 9 September from Australian sources. Apparently there was confusion with the name of a relative who was concerned with the design of aircrew pressure suits. Mr. Sidney Cotton, whose name is associated with the Sidcot flying suit, is in this country, and very much alive."

Although Cotton was very rich at various times in his life, his business dealings were dogged by bad luck and (in at least one case) doubtful behaviour by a business partner. He was reluctant to profit from his wartime innovations, even waiving his patent rights on the Sidcot suit. As with many buccaneering wartime "larger-than-life" characters, the postwar environment did not suit him at all. He dabbled in oil exploration, civil engineering and even gun-running, but died penniless. Cotton's life story was recorded in the book he wrote with Ralph Barker shortly before his death, Aviator extraordinary: the Sidney Cotton story.


On 13 February 1969, Cotton died in London. The principal monument to Cotton is a plaque marking his grave at Tallegalla cemetery near Brisbane. He is also memorialised in the name of the Sidney Cotton bridge on the O'Connell River, south of Proserpine, Queensland.

SimonCraig1

I was reading the clues and something must have nudged me into thinking that Sidney Cotton would be a great pilot for a future question. So I went and looked him up and found you'd beaten me to it.....
Give me 24 to come up with a question.

Ernie P.

My Feedback: (3)

Well SimonCraig1; on some level you must have put two and two together. The way the Sidcot suit came about was really something. That part is worth re-reading. I'll look forward to your question. Thanks; Ernie P.

Oops... Just realized I didn't give you guys part of the background. My apologies. Worth reading, though. EP


An event which shook the world, the sinking of the "Lusitania", incensed Sidney and he decided to go to England to join the forces. He joined the Royal Naval Air Service and learned to fly in 1916. His understanding of camouflage was demonstrated when he disguised his Sopwith 1[SUP]1[/SUP]/[SUB]2[/SUB] Strutter bomber by painting a large black dot aft of the cockpit. This modification, together with the fitment of a gun-ring, made his bomber look like the fighter version from a distance. In the winter of 1916, several members of his squadron returned from a mission practically frozen. Sidney Cotton, however, was not troubled by the cold, a fact which he attributed to his oily overalls which he did not have time to change out of in the scramble to get airborne. He concluded that the oil sealed the fabric and trapped a layer of warm air next to the body. He had his tailor make up a special suit of a light Burburry material with a lining of thin fur and air-proof silk together with fur cuffs and neck. He registered his design as the "Sidcot Suit" which was worn extensively thereafter. Alcock and Brown wore such suits during their epic crossing of the Atlantic. Also, when Manfred von Richthofen was shot down, he was found to be wearing a suit of similar design.



Sidney Cotton first came into conflict with his military superiors when it was decided by the Admiralty that a colleague of Cotton's should carry out a long range Zeppelin patrol. There were two DH4 aircraft available, those belonging to Cotton and another pilot by the name of Fane. Cotton's aircraft had been modified with an extra water tank to alleviate overheating. Fane's aircraft was not modified and it was he who the Admiralty decreed should carry out the patrol. When Cotton protested that he should go, he was promptly told to obey orders. The predictable result was that Fane's engine overheated and he was forced down into the sea to be picked up three days later. A flying boat sent to look for him was also lost. As a result, Sidney Cotton resigned his commission.

SimonCraig1

Okay I've come up with something a bit different and it shouldn't take long before someone guesses, or I run out of clues....

I'm looking for the plane and the missions described below.

1. Several 'one off' air raids in WWII had similar aims with mixed results and at least one with a degree of controversy (outside the usual bombing/moral arguments).
2. The same type of plane was used in each raid.

Top_Gunn

My Feedback: (6)

Shot in the dark: Bombing raids by RAF Mosquitos on prisons and Gestapo buildings in German-occupied countries?

SimonCraig1

Shots in the dark sometimes work.... that is the shortest run question I've had on this forum! Over to you Top_Gunn.

Operation Jericho in particular was controversial:
In October 1944, RAF announced the raid as a complete success but about 100 prisoners were killed in the bombing and most of those who managed to flee were recaptured within 48 hours. Some prisoners like resistance member Henri Moisan, refused to leave out of fear for retaliation towards their relatives. According to Moisan, the whole operation was an unnecessary bloodbath, which served little to no purpose. French historian Jean-Pierre Ducellier spent years studying the raid and reached the conclusion that the official motive for it was "sheer lies". This was based on several facts:

• The French resistance did not request the bombing, nor did they transmit any information about the prison until asked for it by the British.
• There were no executions scheduled, nor expected. After the liberation of Amiens, the RAF Squadron Leader Edwin Houghton was sent to find the cause for Jericho but he failed to find even the alleged list of executions to be carried out.
• Several of the prisoners to be liberated had not been captured when the operation was ordered.

A letter thanking RAF for its involvement in the raid and signed by the head of the Secret Intelligence Service, 'C' implies that SIS were involved. Maurice Buckmaster who was in charge of SOE's branch in France found that plausible, while dismissing entirely that SOE was involved. It has however never been satisfactorily established who did order Operation Jericho.[SUP][6][/SUP][SUP][7][/SUP]

Top_Gunn

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Gosh, I didn't really think I'd gotten it. Hadn't realized just how weak the justification for at least that raid really was. Just trying to help get the ball rolling. I'll see if I can come up with a question.

Top_Gunn

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OK, hope this doesn't last too long, because there isn't all that much to say about it.

Looking for an aircraft.

1. It was intended as a successor to a plane that became very well known during its wartime service.

2. It was inferior in one important respect to the plane it was supposed to replace, and so only a few hundred were built and the only one left is in a museum.

Hydro Junkie

Twin Mustang?