Mon Jun 29, 2009 5:15 pm
Jack Cook wrote:
P-47C 78th FG going after a flak tower 1943
FAFG_Xav wrote:my 2 cts :
-this is definitely a water tower, I'm french and used to see these in the landscape.
-I used to visit one wich was quite the same shape : you can't install AA guns on the roof of it : perhaps just an observer who wouldn't have any protection...
-In a french book, this pic is captioned as being taken on the Chartres Airfield. this could explain the strafing of this inoffensive water tower : I think the pilots have to shoot "everything they see" on this kind of target ?
Mon Jun 29, 2009 7:54 pm
JDK wrote:Anyone cares to find an example of a flak tower of this design with any gun or a radar or sausage-safe on it, I'll be delighted to change my view on the evidence...
It doesn't have to be designed for that purpose...adaptation would qualify it as a Flak tower. Because a house or a
high-rise building contains a Flak position, it does not cease to be a house or high-rise, but it does become a Flak tower.As to it being on an airfield, if it were, in wartime, I very much doubt it would be painted that light colour, acting as a beacon for miles
Oh really?I thought you saw the photo below that Ryan posted? Looks pretty "lightly complected" to me?
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Allegedly (according to the caption) this is another "Flak Tower" on an airfield. Also note the aircraft(Ryan quote)
If it was on an airfield, rather than near, I'd expect to see more fencing or perimeter evidence to keep the Resistance out.
Given the limitation of a single photo..you expect a lot. There's no way without further evidence to determine
what the base perimeter was in 1944. Being an airfield the water tower would, of course, be protected by the
usual and prolific 16'-18' tall Flak towers outfitted with multiple 20mm and 40mm cannon, among other defenses.I still don't see enough reason to post someone up there with an inadequate field of fire and inadequate armament to make a difference.
Mon Jun 29, 2009 10:55 pm
Tue Jun 30, 2009 7:07 am
Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:37 pm
Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:44 pm
Randy Haskin wrote:Okay, it's time for some reality here...
Wed Jul 01, 2009 3:59 pm
Randy Haskin wrote: It's a water tower. It's being strafed. At the time, it was a perfectly legitimate target. So what?
Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:35 pm
Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:13 pm
Wed Jul 01, 2009 6:56 pm
Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:48 am
airnutz wrote:FAFG_Xav wrote:my 2 cts :
-this is definitely a water tower, I'm french and used to see these in the landscape.
I agree FAFG, for the past 4 days I've viewed hundreds of French chateau d'eau and have seen a few still
existing with this style of coppola atop it. I've also looked for German Flakturme designed in this style and
haven't found any..yet.![]()
Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:04 pm
Thu Jul 02, 2009 8:39 pm
JDK wrote:But seriously, I would be interested for any pictures of flack-converted water towers. The floor is open...