Saw, that pole supports the cable that you can also see. The cable runs from the pole back to the top of the tail. This cable is used to dry your uniform after washing it.

All WWII fighters generally have this cable running to the tail. They also had a little crank inside that you could use to run your laundry out onto the line to blow it dry. After your laundry was done you could crank it back inside.

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