JDK wrote:
Seafury1 wrote:
How ever, a Pilot claims he saw black mustangs as well.
Is that an Allied pilot?
There were numerous claims of attack by "friendly fighters that weren't" throughout both wars, but very little evidence of it, then or later. IIRC, An Italian operated P-38 was used against allied bombers - the one documented case I can recall offhand. There were other things, like in W.W.I a German pilot used a captured aircraft to visit allied fields for spying - but actual attacks by others?
Mostly confusion in combat and bar scuttlebutt.
As to colour ID in the air - how would you tell OD/grey from black in combat?
Just some thoughts, more info most welcome.
I have an ancient ARCO "Famous Aircraft Series" book on the B-24 that has a crewman's report of "a Spitfire, lustre black all over with large crosses...wonder who he was" tearing through the formation, with an Me-109 as his wingman apparently.
Going from memory here, but I can quote it from the source later if you wish.
I also recall a quip from Charles Lamb in "War in a Stringbag" recounting the attacks on the Illustrious by Stukas that were painted black all over with swastikas in red circles on the fuselages....
I think it is safe to assume that a combination of the heat of action and the passing of years has an effect on memories, but again who knows?
cheers
greg v.
cheers
greg v.