Armistice Day 1944
From the wartime history of the 436th Fighter Squadron, 479th Fighter Group, November 11, 1944
“November 11, the 20th anniversary of the Armistice of World War I, was celebrated in a much less boisterous manner this year than in the past. At precisely 1100 hours the 436th was occupied as follows; Lt. Grasshoff was leading an eight ship formation on an escort mission to Bottrop, in the Ruhr. It was his first experience leading the squadron, and the first time any of our original “JB’s”(Junior Birdmen) had led. Eight ground crews were as a result sweating them out.
At the same time, the Pilot’s room was the scene of its usual activity. Spencer was playing with the kitten, which had appointed itself our mascot; Huycke and Struby were banging out some boogie on our ancient spinette in their usual inimitable four handed style; Humbert and Callahan were censoring letters; typing letters was Wilkens way of passing time; eight or nine others were sitting around the fireplace reading everything from “The Air Ministry Weekly Intelligence Summary” to the Daily Mirror’s “Jane”. There was no fanfare, no facing to the East this day. It is certain however that many a prayer was silently uttered, to make this the last anniversary of a hollow Armistice and that the ensuing year should bring one that is real and lasting”
Somewhat fitting to the present times hoping that we might find a real and lasting peace.
Also got a chuckle when I saw "JB's" and realized it meant Junior Birdmen.
Is that why the JBs use that before their IDs?
Dan/Slack
