AIRMAN CHASED BY BULL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 January 1940, Page 6

AIRMAN CHASED BY BULL

PARACHUTE DESCENT IN FRANCE LONDON, 28th November. Official reports of the Royal Air Force have already told many stirring tales. They give an insight into the conditions under which airmen must sometimes carry out their duties and the fortitude and cheerfulness with which they endure these conditions. One of these tells the story of successful parachute descents in France by the crew of an aircraft which ran into Arctic weather while on a reconnaissance flight.

“Snow was making a carpet on the floor of the front gunner’s cockpit. Ice covered the windows of the cabin and isolated us from everything outside. We were flying blind.” So runs the report.

The crew of five carried on—“thankful for the oxygen that kept us going and our spirits up.”

The cold was intense, and ice formed on the rudder and wings to such an extent that the aeroplane finally went out of control. The captain gave the order to abandon the aircraft. The front gunner jumped first, pushed off by the navigator. But he had kept on his inter-communication earpieces and the wires became entangled so that he was almost hanged before he was released.

All five men landed safely. Later, in a warm and friendly cafe, they compared experiences. The gunner who had been almost hanged said: “I was knocked unconscious by my parachute when it opened. When I came round I found myself lying on my back in a field among a herd of completely indifferent cows.

The wireless operator, on landing, was chased by some bulls. “In full flying kit,” he said, “I reckon I nearly broke the record for the 100 yards and escaped by getting over a fourfoot gate.”