Aircraft Recognition
During the war it was important for soldiers and officers in the field to be able to identify the different aircraft that they may see above them. This was necessary in order for soldiers to know whether the aircraft were friendly or enemy planes. It was thought that aircraft paint was used to confuse the people on the ground trying to identify the aircraft but it was the shape that was used to identify enemy aircraft and friendly aircraft. Given the speed at which planes move and the damage that even a lone fighter or bomber can wreak, the importance of early recognition of aircraft can not be underestimated. The thumbnail image above is of recognition notes sketched by Captain H Maskell whilst serving in France during September and October of 1944. clicking on the thumbnail will take you to a full size version of the sketches.
Causes of the Second World War How well prepared for war was Germany in 1939? How well prepared for war was Poland in 1939?
How well prepared for war was Britain in 1939? How well prepared was the Soviet Union for war in 1939? How well prepared for war was France in 1939?
Statistical analysis of Europe’s readiness for war in 1939
Documents and Personal Histories of the Second World War
Battle of the Bulge. Diary Entries Aircraft Recognition Sketches Air Raid Roles and Precautions
Dealing with wartime bereavement
