Recorded conversation between Charles J. Bosshardt and Cecil Johnson, part 2 of 11 (side B of first cassette) (MC 371/396/1/2)
        start here
                stop here
            Document Information
         
Recorded conversation between Charles J. Bosshardt and Cecil Johnson, part 2 of 11 (side B of first cassette)
1
 
MC 371/396/1/2
 
1 side of audio cassette
Jul 1988
 
458th Bomb Group
 
Charles J. Bosshardt, Cecil Johnson
Image Information
        Description
        
[00.00-05.00] Discussion of black infantrymen's treatment continued: mentions they were under personal protection of Mrs Roosevelt.  Describes arrival in Glasgow, sight of war-damaged ships and journey to Stone [? Staffordshire].  [05.00-10.00] Description of first night in England, first impressions of people and cold weather.  Comments on arrival and accommodation, Horsham St Faith, Norfolk.  [10.00-15.00] Accommodation continued.  Anecdote about Hecht wounding his head falling into a tank trap and being treated as a hero at the local pub.  Describes flying practice missions.  [15.00-20.00] Practice missions continued.  Description of first combat mission, 14 January 1945: Wolfenbuttel oil refinery, Germany; naming their aeroplane 'Heavenly Hideaway' and feelings on coming under attack for first time.  [20.00-25.00] Describes learning that Hecht (who flew with another crew) had been killed in action.  [25.00-30.00] Describes feelings on Hecht's death and training to deal with deaths.  CB mentions putting flak jackets along floor of aeroplane as extra protection and discusses dealing with Hecht's personal belongings.  [30.00-35.00]  Mentions issue of one bicycle per crew at base.  Discussion about diet: fresh eggs given only before missions and CB's first taste of champagne at Christmas dinner [1944].  Anecdote about CB eating 'chocolate-covered peanuts' on dining-table, which turned out to be vitamin pills.  [35.00-40.00] Anecdote continued.  [40.00-45.00]  CJ's comments on training by psychiatrists, being aware of his own symptoms of stress, combat fatigue and 'gung-ho' pilots.  [45.00-50.00] Discussion about [?James F.] Kelly's crew, flak damage to Kelly's aeroplane and landing at Carnaby emergency airfield [Yorkshire].  Describes emergency landing fields. For preceding recording, see MC 371/396/1/1. For continuation recording, see MC 371/396/2.
            
        
