Recorded conversation between Charles J. Bosshardt and Cecil Johnson, part 7 of 11 (side A of fourth cassette) (MC 371/396/4/1)
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Recorded conversation between Charles J. Bosshardt and Cecil Johnson, part 7 of 11 (side A of fourth cassette)

1


MC 371/396/4/1


1 side of audio cassette

Jul 1988


458th Bomb Group


Charles J. Bosshardt, Cecil Johnson

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Description
[00.00-05.00] Description of bombs used and engine 'torching' [gas from engine in flame]. [05.00-10.00] Comments on working with toggle on bomb load. Mentions DeVries's German grandparents. Mentions mission, 24 March 1945, supporting push by Montgomery, trips to Norwich and Group flying fuel to General Patton's troops. Description of dropping bombs and gunnery practice, 30 March and fifteenth mission, Brunswick, tank factory, 31 March [1945]. [10.00-15.00] Mentions introduction of P-47 and P-51 fighter aeroplanes. Comments on British Mosquito aeroplanes. [15.00-20.00] Comparisons of American aeroplanes. Description of aborted mission, 2 April [1945], Tastrup, Denmark. [20.00-25.00] Comments on role of lead aeroplane on mission and cold weather over North Sea. Description of aborted mission, 3 April [1945]. [25.00-30.00] Describes preparation work of navigator, role of lead navigator; collection of weather data and flights with extra crew and navigator in nose turret, 'Micky Man,' taking radar readings. Comments on job of 'Mickey Man.' [30.00-35.00] Discussion about techniques to avoid anti-aircraft fire. Anecdote about gun firing from Holland [Netherlands], nicknamed 'Daniel Boone,' going through navigator's map on another aeroplane. Remarks on the importance of navigator keeping on course. Description of sixteenth mission, Berleberg airfield, Germany, 4 April [1945]. [35.00-40.00] Mission continued. Discusses improvements to aeroplane heating and difficulties of flying before heated suits were provided. [40.00-45.00] Comments on mission to Halle airfield, Germany [also called Schkeuditz Airport], 6 April [1945]: leading their squadron, engine problems and danger of being a lone aeroplane. [45.00-50.00] Description of seventeenth mission, munitions works, Krummel, Germany, 7 April [1945]. For preceding recording, see MC 371/396/3/2. For continuation recording, see MC 371/396/4/2.