I recall in WW2 the flightgear was not able to really protect well against intense fires/flames for RAF and USAAF aircrews in Europe and for other air arms when involved in crashes or inflight fires.
Aircrews i recall suffered horrific burns, pain and life long trauma obviously from been caught in a aircraft on fire or in a post crash fire.
Whatever happened to these people?
Were them removed from public spotlight or did they get adjusted back into society?
Did some live long lives or did they die young?
Did they have agonnising skin graft operations?
The burns i recall in a few photos ive seen here and there – were whole arms, lower and middle and upper body, faces and end result was they were disfigured at the extreme.
I m sure some must of been shunned by their own families and mates due to the seriousness of their injuries?
Any insight available?
Did their injuries help to ensure future flightgear was less flammable and moe protective?
Phil
By: J Boyle - 1st May 2011 at 02:10
Didn’t I read here recently that the ex-RAF member (who was a WWII vet, IIRC) who appears at the end of the BoB film just passed away?
If so, that answers part of the question whether they lived long lives.
Clearly some did.
By: FLYING SAUCER - 1st May 2011 at 01:53
Imagine the pain from a small burn on your hand? Today we have modern Antibiotics and advanced pain relief to ensure comfortable recovery? It was noted that those who landed in the sea and had been burnt recovered quite well (effects of saline and cold water) Quite a sobering thought for injured Aircrew?
Anyway, most WW2 Flight Gear was compounded from natural fibres, Cotton, Leather etc, and this had some flame retardency and would not stick to the skin so badly. However, in the late 60’s and 70’s when Nylon and Terylene/Polyester were popular (even the Flash Hoods in UK Naval crews caused some problems) Thankfully an answer was found (to some extent) with the advent of NOMEX – popular with saving the lives of many racing drivers and aircrew alike.
By: Tony C - 30th April 2011 at 13:57
I’ve just been given a book about Archibald McIndoe – “The Reconstruction of Warriors” by E.R.Mayhew – that a friend found remaindered at £4.99 recently. I haven’t read it yet but it looks good,
Jim
I have the book and can confirm that it is an excellent read!
By: Arabella-Cox - 30th April 2011 at 11:19
I’ve just been given a book about Archibald McIndoe – “The Reconstruction of Warriors” by E.R.Mayhew – that a friend found remaindered at £4.99 recently. I haven’t read it yet but it looks good,
Jim
By: Paul - 28th April 2011 at 16:31
Far from being shunned those of all services formed the starting point of the pioneering work of Sir Archibald McIndoe in “reconstructive plastic surgery” at East Grinstead.
A simple google for the Guinea pig club should answer many questions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea_Pig_Club
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/guinea-pig.shtml
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/guinea_pig_club.htm
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/archibald_mcindoe_and_the_guinea.htm
Richard Hillary is perhaps one of the most well known guinea-pigs
Paul.
By: TwinOtter23 - 28th April 2011 at 16:25
Daniel / Phil, you need to search about the Guinea Pig Club my link takes you to Wikipedia, but you might find more details elsewhere – very brave people!
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April 28, 2011 at 4:18 pm