I’ve known for many years about a rather odd ‘bomb’ dropped on North Vietnamese forces by a Navy attack squadron in the 1960’s. The ‘ordnance’ was – of all things – an old toilet! Thanks to an e-mail from reader Roger D., I’ve learned the story behind the ‘bomb’. In October 1965, CDR Clarence J.… Continue reading The story behind the toilet bomb!
Tag: Military memories
The lighter side of submarine training
I’m currently reading the book “Submarine Commander” by the late Paul R. Schratz. It’s an account of his service in US submarines during World War II and the Korean War. So far, I’m enjoying it very much. In early 1942 Schratz reported to the US Navy’s Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut (part of the New… Continue reading The lighter side of submarine training
Remembering a wartime rescue
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) has a story on its Web site that’s a fascinating piece of aviation history. It includes a video clip of a B-29 bomber crashing after a raid on Japan in 1945, and the rescue of its crew (who parachuted to safety before the aircraft hit the sea) by a US… Continue reading Remembering a wartime rescue
A real Son Of A Gun!
Some readers might not be familiar with the Discovery Channel program, ‘Sons Of Guns‘. Wikipedia describes it as follows: “The series centers on owners Will Hayden and his daughter Stephanie who manufacture and sell custom weapons at Red Jacket Firearms LLC.” A recent episode was called The Flamethrower. It told the story of a World… Continue reading A real Son Of A Gun!
The only airworthy B-29 Superfortress returns to flight
The Commemorative Air Force has been restoring its B-29 Superfortress – the only flying example of this iconic World War II bomber – over the past few years. It’s now back in the air, and will once again delight audiences at air shows around the USA. Here’s a video of its first test flight after… Continue reading The only airworthy B-29 Superfortress returns to flight
The world’s most iconic warship is falling apart
The Telegraph reports that HMS Victory is in grave danger of collapsing under her own weight. As Britain’s most celebrated warship, she withstood the onslaught of the combined French and Spanish navies at the Battle of Trafalgar. But HMS Victory, the flagship of Lord Nelson, now faces its ultimate battle. Panoramic view of HMS Victory… Continue reading The world’s most iconic warship is falling apart
Farewell to the Harrier in the land of its birth
Britain’s Royal Air Force retired its Harrier vertical-take-off and -landing jet fighters yesterday, marking the end of more than four decades of service. Introduced in 1969, the Harrier would go on to win large orders from the US Marine Corps. It’s also served with the armed forces of Spain, India, Italy and Thailand, and will… Continue reading Farewell to the Harrier in the land of its birth
The truth about war, recorded for posterity
An online audio library has been established to record and maintain the reminiscences of war veterans. Fox News reports: Tom Beaty launched Witness to War in 2002. It is an online library that archives hundreds of short video interviews with veterans. “They can hear the veterans themselves, what it was like to be there, why… Continue reading The truth about war, recorded for posterity
A veteran and his plane
I was very moved to read a story on the Backcountry Pilot forum, forwarded to me by Miss D. I don’t mind admitting that it brought a tear to my eye. Perhaps it’ll do the same for you. He was an old man, suffering from serious depression and an incurable illness. His future, such as… Continue reading A veteran and his plane
I wonder how much swapping goes on?
The New York Times has published an interesting comparison of ration packs carried by several different armed forces currently serving in the Coalition in Afghanistan. Click on the link, then click on each individual ration pack for a view of what’s inside it. For example, here’s the South Korean ration: It contains “sautéed kimchi, ham… Continue reading I wonder how much swapping goes on?