Brits and Canadians went over and above after D-Day… 🙂
One of the first squadrons to take part in beer runs was 412 RCAF Squadron of 126 Wing, Second Tactical Air Force which was locally based at RAF Merston and then latterly at RAF Tangmere during the invasion period. Climbing up over the Sussex countryside and setting course for the recently created forward landing grounds on freshly liberated French soil, although they were not always totally liberated! One of the first landings occurred on a strip known as ‘B4’ that still had German snipers within range and the pilots were informed that they should depart forthwith!
Full article, HERE with pictures from Spitfires.com
I’m guessing that this wasn’t the ‘first’ time booze got carried by aircraft, but at least this time it had approval!
And it’s a neat story of things getting done to keep the troops happy!
I hope y’all enjoy the story!
The article states:
“Sadly, reports came back that the beer tasted of Avgas, regardless of how much cleaning had been carried out.”
I’d be willing to bet that some supremely thirsty troops managed to consume their ration, regardless of the added ‘flavor enhancements.’
Morale is as important as ammo.
Here in NWArkansas we just had a D-Day soldier returned to his home town and given a full honors burial. He fell at Omaha Beach and wasn’t identified until late 2023. Took a while, but he is home. Sometimes morale boosters come from Grave Detail and Forensics.
Charles Mohrle. Tootie Frootie.
My Great Great Grandfather Thomas J. Higgins won The Medal of Honor at the Battle of Vicksburg. After reading his journal and various accounts of the action and knowing my family as I do I (while taking nothing away from his courage) am pretty sure drinking was involved somehow.
It was common in the Pacific to do ‘check rides’ with fighters carrying beer in the ammo bins. Someone worked out the precise time and altitude to get said beer cold and frosty without freezing it.
At least as early as Guadalcanal.
While flying supplies to an Aussie fire base in Viet-Nam a US pilot asked “What’s in those crates?”
“Beer! Can fight in this heat without beer!”
And it was good Aussie beer in Imperial pint cans.
Not that 3.2 crap in 12 oz. cans.
There are a lot of planes that I wish that I could have flown, but two in particular: The Spitfire and the Rhino.
Pat- Agreed 🙂
WSF- That it is!
Suisan- Glad to hear it, may he rest in peace!
RHT- GREAT interview!
Mikey- Of course. They were NOT teetotalers…
Beans- Yep!
Stretch- PBR was a favorite, because they were steel cans and were great for aircraft patches…LOL
Stephanie- Agreed! I still like the Corsair though.