Aero-Linx!
Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough,
if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows
us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not
that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often
hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts
confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this
is done on the Internet.
The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat
sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to
ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the
sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new
spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into
cyber-aero-space for awhile.
Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via
Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always
welcome, as well.
Aero-Linx: Stalag Luft 1
During World War II approximately 8,939 Allied Airmen (7,588
American and 1,351 Royal Air Force) were imprisoned by the Germans
at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany. This website is in remembrance
of James Richard (Dick) Williams, Jr., of Eufaula, AL. During World
War II, he flew with America's Mighty 8th Air Force. He enlisted in
the Army Air Corps and was sent for training as an aerial gunner to
Drew Field in Tampa, FL and Langley AFB in Virginia.
In July 1944 he was assigned to the 398th Bomb Group, 600th Bomb
Squad stationed in Nuthampstead, England as a waist gunner on a
B-17G. On November 26, 1944 (his 29th mission), his plans to return
home in time for Christmas came literally to a crashing end. While
flying in the lead, radar equipped plane on a mission to Misburg,
Germany, shortly after "bombs away", the plane was hit by flak. The
pilot left formation as he tried desperately to get the plane under
control and make his way back to England. The crew began to
jettison everything they could find to lighten the load, but it
became apparent that they would not be back in their warm beds in
England that night. Instead, they would be a "guests" of Adolf
Hitler in Germany. The pilot soon gave the "Bail Out" order and all
ten parachuted and landed quite close together near the town of
Detmold, Germany. They were quickly rounded up by the local
townspeople and incarcerated.
This site provides an extensive collection of stories, photos,
and detailed accounts of life after being shot down behind enemy
lines.