Recorded memoir of Brona D. Bottoms, part 2 of 2 (side B of cassette) (MC 371/882/34/2)
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Recorded memoir of Brona D. Bottoms, part 2 of 2 (side B of cassette)
1
MC 371/882/34/2
1 side of audio cassette
nd [c 1985]
448th Bomb Group
Brona D. Bottoms
Preceding recording (MC 371/882/34/1) has not been published because of rights issues.
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For preceding recording, see MC 371/882/34/1. [00:00-05:00] Describes mission to German fighter base, near Pyrenees, France, 5 March 1944 [poor sound quality, some words are inaudible]. Describes mission to Friedrichshafen, [Germany], 16 March 1944, including remarks on getting frostbite when his electric gloves and shoes failed and landing at Spitfire base near London. [05:00-10:00] Comments on Krepser's role as chaff-man, how chaff interfered with German radar and conditions for waist-gunners on missions, including the cold, oxygen, heavy flight vests, eating only chocolate bars and not having anything to drink. Remarks on his fourteenth mission to Munich, 13 April [1944] and 'milk-run' [a quiet mission] to Pas de Calais. Comments on mission to Berlin, 29 April [1944]. [10:00-15:00] Berlin mission continued including heavy flak, fighter support and attack by German fighters. Tribute to Charlie L. Blenten, killed on mission to Brunswick with another crew. Comments on early start to some missions and anecdotes about fun events at base, including crews bombarding each others barracks with brick-bats. Describes mission to bomb railway bridge, Countances, France, 6 June 1944 [D-Day]. [15:00-20:00] Mission continued. Describes attack on American airbases by German fighters following mission to Hamm, Germany. Describes his twenty-ninth mission to Politz. [20:00-25:00] Politz mission continued, including flak damage to aeroplane and fighter escort back to England. [25:00-30:00] Comments on final mission to Paris, 22 June [1944], finishing his tour of duty, the crew and a celebration party. Mentions receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross. Comments on fears of a German paratrooper drop on England and his role in a commando squadron formed to raise the alert. Mentions staying in England, with Krepser, as an instructor.