· RUEL SK

20 CRUEL SKY
The navigators got a detailed weather report, flak gun locations, and anticipated
Luftwaffe opposition. On their maps, they drew the route as planned with Estimated Time
of Arrival (ETA) and the exact location of all key points. The virtual landmarks for
assembly were radio beacons called bunchers and splashers. They were spread all over
East Anglia to help the bomb groups form into their wings, divisions, and the 8th Air Force.
These beacons allowed such formation-building even in complete cloud cover.
Radio operators received the codes of the day as well as the operating frequency
schedule and some special instructions.
After the briefings, the men went to their locker room for suiting up with all the
necessary flying equipment to keep them warm and alive at high altitude. Lieutenant
Pouliot went to the equipment room and asked "Shorty" to give him a 34-38 heated suit and
gloves. As usual, the pants would barely fit him.
Lieutenant Dimick proceeded to don the heated flying suit over his coverall. The
new model came in two pieces that were like a battle jacket and pants of officers green.
Both fastened together by buttons, which carried the circuit from jacket to pants. The
gloves snapped on to the sleeves of the jacket. Over thick wool socks, he put the electric
heated slippers and snapped them to the pants. The whole outfit was plugged into a 24-volt
rheostat next to each battle station. Ifthe damn thing worked, it made high altitude flying
more comfortable. Despite sweat running down one's back, fingers and toes might remain
cold.
Then Dimick donned the flying coveralls over the electric gear and the big
sheepskin-lined flying boots. But even that was not enough! Four miles above earth it was
cold - 30° degrees centigrade eC) or more below zero - and no cockpit heat to speak of. So
he always took along his heavy, fleece-lined pants and jacket in case the heated suit failed
because leather sheepskin flight garments were 100% reliable.
He left his cap, jacket, and shoes behind in the locker. He stored his personal
belongings - coins, papers, letters, wallet, etc - in an envelope which was then sealed and
turned over to an orderly. Identification of any kind was forbidden except dog tags and
some very special pictures included in the escape kit. Before their first mission, they had
been photographed wearing civilian clothing. This was for helping the underground to
forge documents. Of course, you had to be fortunate enough to be over occupied territory