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William Heron


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Bombsight Camera Information
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I'm hoping perhaps John Neal might be able to help with this one as an ex B/A.

I recently came into possession of what I presume to be the Bombing Leader's records of how each camera performed on Op's. Against some aircraft the description "Fire Tracks" is noted, can someone please explain to me what this term means in relation to the performance of the camera.

Thanks for your help.

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Bill Heron
Pigeonbird


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William:

John Neal here.  As far as I know, there was no connection between the Bombsite and the camera.  The connection was with the Bomb Release system, which activated the camera at the same time as the bombs went.  It also released a flare which followed the bombs down and flashed at  a set heighth above the ground, theoretically above the point of aiming for the bombs.

If the flare exploded at the right time, and the bombs hit on the right target, and a good picture of the aiming point resulted, and the aiming point coincided with the target for that night, then you were eligible for the Target Photo.

I earned one over Trappes near Paris, but somehow it got lost in the beauracratic shuffle.

If you want any further enlightment on the subject, I would suggest contacting F/L David Dworkin at ddworkin@shaw.ca.  Dave is a good friend of mine and he was a Bombing Leader of 427 Squadron.  Just expect a long answer.

John

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John A. Neal
William Heron


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Hi John, Thanks for your reply re my question. It would appear that the documents I came into possession of were not perhaps those of the Bombing Leader, but rather of the person/persons that analyzed how the camera performed, who that would be perhaps you might know? I managed to get an explanation regarding the term "Firetracks" and now understand what is being referred to. We lay people, come across terminology that requires explanation from time to time and it's nice to know and understand what you're reading.
The documents I got show the following.
Aircraft - Camera - Mag - Captain -  Bomb Aimer - Raid - Fuse - Remarks

In the remarks column it gives a variety of information ie firetracks, ground detail,returned early, no flash and so on.
It is very interesting to see how each aircraft did on Op's.

Again thanks for your help John.

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Bill Heron
Pigeonbird


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You're welcome William.  It's strange what the years do to the memory.  It will be 63 years the end of May since I have flown in a 4-engine Bomber, and I would be completely lost if I went in a Halifax or Lancaster now.  I'm much more familiar with a chemical reaction (before retirement) or writing a story (after retirement).  RAF Bomber Command was another Lifetime to me.  A sad one and a happy one.  I was under somebody's protection as I came safely out of at least six very close encounters.

My book "Bless You, Brother Irvin" tells about one of them, along with about 80 others, as well as the history of the Caterpillar Club.

John



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John A. Neal
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