Is this true about Bob H?

[wixlova]

During WWII Hoover flew Spitfires with the 52nd Fighter group in Sicily completing 58 missions. On his 59th mission his Spitfire was shot down and Hoover was taken as a POW. He managed to escape from the prison camp stole a FW 190 and flew to safety in the Netherlands.

FIRST time ive ever heard of a allied pilot flying a Luftwaffe plane to freedom sounds BS ?

[TAdan]

Well I just finished his autobiography, and he gives a pretty good account of the events.

As far as I know the escape and stealing the FW-190 really did happen. I have heard it mentioned numerous times.

[wixlova]

Wow well thats the first ever. Wonder how did he pull such a stunt and escape the germans so easy?

[TAdan]

If I remember correctly the Germans had pretty much abandoned the camp because of the advancing allies. Hoover and another POW took off once the guards were gone. (They didnt know how close the allies were).

They snuck off and Hoover found an FW-190. I think they may have snuck into it or distracted a guard, hoped in and flew it to freedom.

I forget if one or both were in the aircraft. I've got the book at home, I'll check the details later if you want.

Hoover also escaped from a train while he was being transported to the POW camp, but was quickly caught.

He is really a larger than life character.

I am glad I got to see him do his routine in his Shrike Commander... Otherwise I would have never believed it without seeing it.

Last edited by TAdan on Mon May 19, 2008 8:24 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Cripes A Mighty]

Bruce Carr appropriated the use of a Focke Wulf as well.

[Jack Cook]

Bruce Carr appropriated the use of a Focke Wulf as well

That tale is 5% truth and 95% fantasy

[Jack Cook]

http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8529&highlight=bruce+carr

[Cripes A Mighty]

Bruce Carr appropriated the use of a Focke Wulf as well

That tale is 5% truth and 95% fantasy

Really? Whats the straight dope Jack? I always liked Carr's stories......but.....

[Swiss Mustangs]

truth

unauthorised flight in a captured FW-190, bent on landing, embarrassed pilot

fiction

all the b/s about the glorious escape after going down behind enemy lines, stealing an FW-190, etc.....

Martin

[Jack Cook]

Check the link.
Bruce was a nice fellow but also regarded among the 354th guys has a "great story teller" who never let the truth get in the way of a good story!!

[Cripes A Mighty]

Apologies, I didnt see that second post of yours. Interesting stuff for sure.