|
|
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 30th, 2011%
A mobile training unit instructs B-17 crew and ground crew in the servicing of the B-17 oxygen system at a U.S. base in England in 1944. The veteran B-17 Flying Fortress “Flak Alley Lil” of the 305th BG is parked in the background. (U.S. Air Force Photo.)
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 22nd, 2011%
The following officer qualifications are taken from a WWII recruiting pamphlet for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC):
A candidate for [Women's Army Auxiliary Corps] Officers’ Training School must:
(a) Be a woman citizen of the United States.
(b) Be between her 21st and 45th birthdays.
(c) Have an excellent character.
(d) Furnish proof of graduation from high school or its educational equivalent.
(e) Pass an intelligence test. The standard will be comparable to that required for an officer of the Army of the United States.
(f) Submit satisfactory proof of birth date and citizenship.
(g) Qualify according to the height and weight chart listed on page three.
(h) Be physically fit. Fill out and have signed by a licensed physician the health form attached to the cover of this information folder. Candidates will be examined finally by Army doctors. Physical and mental qualifications: Applicants for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps are not acceptable who have major defects of vision; other than slight defects of hearing; chronic discharge from the ear or ears; abnormal conditions of the thyroid or other ductless glands; organic disease of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary systems; tuberculosis; syphilis or other infectious disease; allergic conditions; epilepsy; mental or nervous disease; and disabling defects of the extremities. In general, an applicant must be in good health; able to see well and have good hearing; her heart must be competent to stand the stress of physical exertion; she must be intelligent enough to understand and execute orders and protect herself; and she must be able to transport herself by marching as the exigencies of the military service may demand.
Decision as to acceptance with respect to physical qualification will be determined following final examination made by Army examiners.
The following table is the average weight for age and height for applicants for admission to the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps:
| Height | Weight According to Age Period | | inches | 21-25 | 26-30 | 31-35 | 36-40 | 41-45 | | 60 | 114 | 117 | 120 | 123 | 126 | | 61 | 117 | 120 | 123 | 126 | 129 | | 62 | 120 | 123 | 126 | 129 | 132 | | 63 | 123 | 126 | 129 | 132 | 135 | | 64 | 127 | 130 | 133 | 136 | 139 | | 65 | 131 | 134 | 137 | 140 | 143 | | 66 | 135 | 138 | 141 | 144 | 147 | | 67 | 139 | 142 | 145 | 148 | 151 | | 68 | 143 | 146 | 149 | 152 | 155 | | 69 | 147 | 150 | 153 | 156 | 159 | | 70 | 151 | 154 | 157 | 160 | 163 | | 71 | 155 | 158 | 161 | 164 | 167 | | 72 | 159 | 162 | 165 | 168 | 171 |
NOTE: Height and weight to be taken without shoes and with surgical gown or sheet in lieu of dress. Minimum standard for height is 5 feet, maximum 6 feet; minimum of weight is 105 pounds.
The permissible variation below the standard for age is 15 pounds, with the exception that no applicant will be accepted whose weight is less than 105 pounds. In the interest of physical efficiency, the weight should not be more than 16 2/3 percent above the average. In applying the percentage variation, fractions of less than 1/2 pound will be dropped; those of 1/2 pound or more will be counted as an additional pound.
The Recruiting and Selection Boards will take into consideration the applicant’s:
(a) Leadership.
(b) Moral character.
(c) Personality.
(d) Appearance.
(c) Tact.
(f) Bearing.
(g) Past experience.
(h) General adaptability.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on January 15th, 2011%
Instructions for storage and shipment of the Dodge weapons carrier and variants (WC-51 through WC-60) from TM 9-808: ¾-Ton 4×4 Truck (Dodge), War Department Technical Manual, January 1944.
STORAGE AND SHIPMENT
194. STORAGE AND SHIPMENT (GENERAL).
a. The 3/4-ton truck will usually be shipped uncrated for domestic shipment. For overseas shipment trucks will usually be shipped crated in pairs. Preparation for temporary storage (less than 60 days) will be the same as preparation for domestic shipment, and preparation for indefinite storage (over 60 days) will be the same as the preparation for overseas shipment.
b. Preparation for Domestic Shipment and Temporary Storage.
(1) LUBRICATION. Lubricate the vehicle completely before storage or shipment.
(2) FUEL IN TANKS. It will not be necessary to remove the fuel from the tanks nor to label these tanks under Interstate Commerce Commission Regulations.
(3) WATER IN RADIATOR. Drain the radiator only when there is a possibility of freezing during storage or shipment. If the water is drained from the radiator, tie a conspicuous tag to the steering wheel of each vehicle indicating that the radiator is empty.
(4) BATTERY. Disconnect the battery by removing the positive battery cable. Tape the cable and tie it away from the battery.
(5) UNPAINTED SURFACES. Treat all unpainted and exposed surfaces with rust-preventive before the vehicle is stored or shipped. After cleaning the surface with solvents or a soap, solution, treat all exterior surfaces with a thin film of rust-preventive compound. Apply preventive cold by spraying or brushing. It will harden to a tough thin film. Treat surfaces from which it would be difficult to remove rust-preventives, such as the bore of a gun, with rust-preventive compound, light. Apply this compound by brushing or slushing.
(6) TIRES. For domestic shipment, inflate the tires to about 10 pounds above normal.
(7) INSPECTION. Make systematic inspection just before shipment or storage. Make a list of all missing items or broken items that are not repaired, and attach the list to the steering wheel.
c. Preparation for Overseas Shipment and Indefinite Storage.
Observe all precautions given in paragraph 194b in preparation for overseas shipment and indefinite storage. Many additional precautions must be taken, especially for overseas shipment. (See AR 850-18.)
195. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR STORAGE.
a. Take the following precautions when the truck is prepared for storage.
b. Engine.
(1) Check the engine oil and replenish if necessary.
(2) Remove the air cleaner from the carburetor.
(3) Start the engine and run it at a fast idle, spraying approximately one pint of lubricating oil preservative (medium) into the carburetor throat. Turn off the ignition switch immediately after the oil has been sprayed into the carburetor.
(4) With the ignition switch off, open the throttle wide and turn the engine over several complete revolutions by means of the starting motor.
(5) Install the air cleaner.
c. Brakes. Release the brakes and block the wheels.
d. Inspections.
(1) Inspect the vehicles weekly for tire leaks or discharged batteries.
(2) Upon removal from storage, repair or replace any items noted on the tag attached to the steering wheel as still needing repair or still missing, and perform a complete monthly maintenance inspection.
196. METHODS OF SECURING VEHICLE ON FREIGHT CARS.
a. There are two approved methods of blocking the 3/4-ton trucks on freight cars as described below.
b. Method 1 (fig. 209).
(1) BLOCKS B. Place eight blocks B to the front and to the rear of each front wheel and to the front of each forward rear wheel, and to the back of each rearward rear wheel. Nail the heel of the block to the car floor with five 40-penny nails, and toenail that portion of the block under the tire to the car floor with two 40-penny nails. CAUTION: Nail blocks B in such a position that cleats C will clear face of tires by 1/2 inch.
 Figure 209. Method 1 for Blocking ¾-Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge) on Freight Cars (2) CLEATS C. Place two cleats C against the outside face of blocks B at each front and rear wheel. Nail the lower cleats to the car floor with three 40-penny nails and the top cleat to the cleats below with three 40-penny nails. Fill the 1/2-inch space between tires and cleats C with burlap or other similar material to prevent chafing of tires.
(3) STRAPPING D. Pass four strands, two wrappings, of No. 8 gage, black annealed wire (D, fig. 209) through the spokes of the wheels and the stake pockets. Tighten the wires enough to remove slack. If a box car is used, apply this strapping in similar fashion and attach it to the floor by the use of blocking or anchor plates. This strapping is not required when gondola cars are used.
c. Method 2 (fig. 210).
(1) BLOCKS F. Place one block F across the front and one across the rear of the front wheels. Place one block F to the front of the forward rear wheels and one block F to the rear of the rearward rear wheels. These blocks must be at least eight inches wider than the over-all width of the vehicle at the car floor.
 Figure 210. Method 2 for Blocking ¾-Ton 4x4 Truck (Dodge) on Freight Cars (2) CLEATS E. Place sixteen cleats E against blocks F, as shown in figure 210.
(3) CLEATS C. Wrap cleats C with burlap or other similar material to prevent chafing of tires. Place one cleat C against the outside of each front wheel on the top of block F, as shown in figure 210. Nail the cleats to each block F with two 40-penny nails.
(4) STRAPPING D. Pass four strands, two wrappings, of No. 8 gage, black annealed wire (D, fig. 210) through the spokes of the wheels and the stake pockets. Tighten the wires enough to remove slack. If a box car is used, apply this strapping in similar fashion and attach it to the floor by the use of blocking or anchor plates. This strapping is not required when gondola cars are used.
197. OVERSEAS SHIPMENT.
a. The truck will usually be crated for overseas shipment to protect the truck, to reduce cubic measurement, and to facilitate stowage. Usually this crate will be made up as a twin pack; that is, containing two vehicles broken down as much as necessary in order to save cubic displacement. When such crating is necessary, it should be performed in accordance with IOSSC-(a), “Introduction to Ordnance Storage and Shipment Chart, Section (a), Instructions and Specifications for Packaging Ordnance General Supplies.”
198. SHIPMENT WITH COMBAT UNITS.
a. Shipping of Vehicles, Combat Loaded.
(1) Do not disassemble the vehicle. Protect unpainted surfaces with lubricating oil preservative.
(2) BLOCKING. Whenever possible, use blocking similar to that shown in figures 212 and 213. However, special precautions must be taken to prevent the materiel from moving sideways.
b. Protection During Shipping.
(1) MATERIALS AVAILABLE. Keep a supply of the required cleaning and preserving materials available for servicing while in transit.
(2) DECK LOADS. When the materiel is shipped on deck, cover the vehicle with a closely fitting tarpaulin. Seal all engine openings, such as the carburetor, air intake, exhaust outlet, oil breather outlet, etc., with waterproof tape. Apply this sealing so that it is easily accessible without disassembly in order that the vehicle may be ready for immediate action.
c. Inspections. Make daily inspections for signs of corrosion which should be checked immediately by reapplication of rust-preventives and lubricating oil. Do not allow salt water to dry on unprotected surfaces under any circumstances. If possible, after the materiel has been subjected to salt water flush the materiel with clean, fresh water.
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on December 29th, 2010%
Combat lessons from the troops on platoon leadership and NCO efficiency from Combat Lessons No. 9:
Platoon Leadership vs. NCO Efficiency
Orders Must Be Clear
NCO efficiency and squad accomplishment are materially reduced when combat orders fail to give full information and to specify clearly each assignment. Says an Okinawa report: “Junior officers often complicate combat orders. They forget about intermediate objectives which should be the next terrain feature, whether it be a hill, road, or an edge of a rice paddy. They neglect to tell each squad specifically what to do. They take on the responsibilities of NCO’s and scouts and then, finding it impossible to remain continuously in a control position, encourage bunching which results in needless casualties.
 Junior officers often complicate orders. Leaders Are Not Scouts.
“In one regiment, five platoon leaders were killed because their scouts were not out. The platoon leader must realize that he is not a scout and that if he attempts to do that work, it will be at the expense of his control responsibility.
“Invariably, when trying to do their own scouting, the platoon leaders allowed their support squads to get too close to the leading squads and thus sacrificed the platoon’s maneuverability.”
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on December 26th, 2010%
The following report on the WW2 SO-7M truck-mounted surface search radar was published in the September 1944 issue of C.I.C. (Combat Information Center) published by the U.S. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
What the SO-7M can do…
The SO-7M—a truck mounted surface search radar with PPI presentation—is being furnished to Marine Corps Units and Naval Surface Search units. A performance test of the set tinder typical conditions was conducted by the Pacific Fleet Radar Center.
 The SO is mobile. The SO-7M was sited on the shoreline with its antenna 20 feet above sea level. A 100 degree sector to seaward, with no line-of-sight obstacles, provided adequate area for the test. No difficulty was experienced in putting the equipment into operation. The time required for two men to do this was only about 15 minutes. The set appeared to be in excellent materiel condition.
Continue reading SO-7M Radar
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on December 24th, 2010%
A guide to defense against airborne troops from Cavalry Mechanized Reconnaissance Squadron, Cavalry Field Manual FM 2-30, U.S. War Department, Washington, DC, March 1943:
ANTIAIRBORNE DEFENSE
The reconnaissance squadron is a highly effective agency in the scheme of antiairborne defense as outlined in FM 100-5. Generally speaking, airborne troops in force will be used either ahead or to the flank of their enemy for the purpose of seizing and holding key terrain or behind it as a vertical envelopment. In either case, the squadron has an active role.
a. The squadron operating ahead of the division will, in all probability, be the nearest element to any point at which an air landing is attempted in the division zone of advance. The points at which such an enemy operation will be profitable should be as well known to friendly commanders as they are to the enemy and should therefore be expected. Long-range air reconnaissance may further reduce the element of surprise. Division G-2 should immediately warn the reconnaissance squadron commander of any airborne movements observed either in preparation or aloft. Being thus alerted, the squadron commander can plan how he will oppose a landing at any probable point in his zone.
 (1) Parachutists should be prevented from reaching and opening their weapon containers. (1) The reconnaissance commander encountering airborne troops in his zone must make a rapid decision based on the stage of the enemy development, relative strength, and the urgency of his primary mission. He may decide to attack, to contain the force until reinforced by the division, or to bypass and report the incident.
Continue reading Antiairborne Defense
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on December 10th, 2010%
From The Ordnance Soldier’s Guide, 3rd Edition, Ordnance Replacement Training Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground:
Hasty Field Fortifications
INDIVIDUAL PRONE SHELTER OR SLIT TRENCH: Whenever our troops halt anywhere near the Jap or Nazi troops, they begin at once to give themselves and their weapons individual protection. If it’s a short halt, they use the natural protection of the ground — bumps, ditches, shell holes, depressions of any kind. But if it’s a longer halt (but less than six hours, in an assembly area before an attack), then each man digs himself an individual prone shelter. This takes only a few minutes. Such a shelter gives a soldier two advantages — a chance to rest and reasonable protection from bomb, mortar, and shell fragments and small-arms fire. But this kind of a foxhole won’t protect you against a tank attack
 Individual Prone Shelter of Slit Trench Continue reading Hasty Field Fortifications
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on December 5th, 2010%
Instructions on pilot gunnery in the Douglas A-26 Invader from Pilot Training Manual for the A-26 Invader, Headquarters, AAF, Office of Flying Safety.
No other plane in the Army packs the forward firepower of the A-26. It is designed, among other uses, for low-level attack and strafing. You must know the location of all your gun switches, how to load your guns, and the principle of air-to-ground gunnery.
All the guns must be loaded and charged while on the ground. Under most circumstances, you don’t have to do this yourself, but the time may come when knowing how to load your gun will save your life. See your armament officer for this information.
When you charge your guns, be certain that the airplane is pointed where there is absolutely no danger of hitting anything or anyone in case of an accidental firing (preferably a gun abutment).
Continue reading A-26 Invader Gunnery
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on December 3rd, 2010%
“Where going is Roughest and Toughest, Evasive Tactics!” Ninth Air Force (IX Tactical Air Command) training poster:
See Also: Chaff, Flak Traps
By Lone_Sentry_Admin, on November 26th, 2010%
Summary of Tail Warning Radar AN/APS-13 from Radar Observers’ Bombardment Information File, July 1945.
Tail Warning Radar AN/APS-13
Radio Set AN/APS-13 is a lightweight radar set which gives an airplane pilot, or any other aircrew member who can see or hear it, a visible and audible warning that a hostile airplane is behind or approaching from the rear.
The usable range of this set is from 200 to 800 yards, and within an area extending up to 30° on both sides of the airplane and from 45° above it to 45° below it. The set doesn’t work above 50,000 feet or below 3100 feet. Ground reflections determine the lower limit.
The main units include the antenna, transmitter-receiver, indicator light with brilliance control; warning bell, ON-OFF switch, and test switch. The set operates on 27.5 volts, which is the primary aircraft power supply.
Operation
1. Turn the power switch ON.
2. Wait at least three minutes for the tubes to warm up, then hold the test switch up. If the indicator lights and the warning bell rings, the equipment is operating properly. You can adjust the intensity of the indicator light with the rheostat.
3. You must set the GAIN CONTROL correctly. Adjust the screwdriver control on the front panel of the transmitter-receiver so that the receiver sensitivity is well below the level at which the tube noise can trigger the relay and give a false warning. If you reduce the sensitivity too far, however, it won’t detect aircraft within the required range. Have a competent radio technician check this before you start out on a combat mission.
Caution: The warning bell must be where the pilot can hear it clearly but where crew members cannot hear it; they might mistake it for the bailout signal.
|
|
Recent Comments