[Milsurplus] Fwd: Re: "Lancaster" - no copilot

[Joe Connor]

Mark, maybe our difference is this: I see that song reflecting airman angst about the missions the Eighth was ordered to fly in the days before long-range fighter support. I don't see it reflecting any negativity towards the attributes of the B-17 itself. The airmen loved the durability of the B-17 but undoubtedly wished they didn't have to demonstrate that durability on every mission they flew. Here's another one showing that angst about the missions:They say there's a Fortress just leaving Calais,Bound for old Limey shore.It's heavily laden with petrified men,

And stiffs laid out on the floor.

Many a Focke Wulf made many a pass,

Many a Messerschmitt too.

They shot off our bollicks,

Shot up our hydraulics.

But cheer up, my lads, f**ck 'em all.
                          Joe Connor
 

    On Wednesday, October 4, 2017 6:54 PM, Mark K3MSB <mark.k3msb at gmail.com> wrote:
 

 >>The "testimony of history" and barroom songs are rarely congruent for good and sufficient reason

Yes, Mike;  that's correct,  although I would have used the term gallows humor whereas you used barroom songs.   I maintain that how aircrews felt about the B-17 is not accurately represented by what Joe posted, and the contrary is substantiated by the historical record.   

I would agree with Joe's "barroom song" about flying over the hump as that is congruent with what I have found the historical record to reflect.

73 Mark K3MSB

On Wed, Oct 4, 2017 at 5:33 PM, Michael Hanz <aaf-radio-1 at aafradio.org> wrote:

  On 10/4/2017 4:15 PM, Mark K3MSB wrote:
 
 To say that your "poem" accurately represented how aircrews felt about the B-17 would put the burden of proof squarely upon your shoulders against the overwhelming testimony of history to the contrary. 
 
 I didn't see that conclusion anywhere in Joe's posting, Mark.  The "testimony of history" and barroom songs are rarely congruent for good and sufficient reason.  The B-17, any variant, like any weapon wasn't perfect by a long shot, and most military servicemen seemed to like to compose limericks or songs about their weapons that are considerably less than complimentary at times.  It helps you smile at something in the midst of the brutality and tragedy of combat.  The war in Viet Nam was full of them.  Now - hearing someone from outside the "band of brothers" (whatever that limited group might be) verbally malign their weapons will bring about a sturdy defense - especially with a bit of alcoholic lubrication - but the majority of servicemen understand the tradition and take it in good fun.  At least I always did.
 
          73,
  - Mike  KC4TOS
 
 
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