Special Edition - CAF Swiss Wing

n
o
i
t / Swiss Wing
i
COMMEMORATIVE AIR
FORCE
d
E
l
a
i
c
e
Sp
Volume 14, No. 54
CAF Swiss Wing Newsletter
August 2009
D-DAY 2009
Air and Ground Crew preparations at Sunrise in Birrfeld
At 0600 hours one morning the
ground and air crew met at Birrfeld
airfield. The common goal was the
Normandy. The pilots were Roger
and Jost who were to fly the Stinson to
Cherbourg. The load was no problem
as we had a ground transport to ferry
equipment, tools and spares as well as
personal effects.
Henry and Werner loaded the Audi
and trailer and at 0650 all was ready
for the departure. The distance to be
covered neared 1000 km. In Basel the
Table of Contens
D-Day
Aus dem Vorstand
Japanisch Luftwaffe
Kata Hi Ber Vb
DC-3
Reuenthal
Beauty Day
Stinsy
News / Veranstaltungen
Seite 1
Seite 3
Seite 5
Seite 7
Seite 8
Seite 9
Seiet 10
Seite 11
Seite 12
border crossing was a non-event, six
border police on the Swiss side waved
them through, on the French side not
a soul. The new Schengen deal seems
to function. After Mulhouse the routing was Besançon and Dijon.
Nearing Auxerre the expected a call
from the Stinson crew was received.
They were refueling while the French
gendarmerie showed interest in the
«Warbird» and the pilots in their flight
suits and patches.
The GPS directed us around Paris on
the périphérique and despite the afternoon the traffic was rather dense.
We had a glimpse of the Eiffel tower,
Know to use this
English version
1st: Go to the German part of the
homepage and print out the German Version of the Contact
2nd: Follow the pages and read the
German/English title
3rd: Not all Pictures legends and
articles are translated in full
length
4th: Have fun and enjoy the Contact
Col Werner Meier
Col Jost Schneeberger
CAF Swiss Wing
the Seine and Sacré Coeur. Then on
via Rouen, south of Le-Havre, Bayeux
and to the Fort of the family Mitchell
at Ste Marie du Mont
The Stinson meanwhile proceeded
south of Paris to Deauville for refueling. Then after a low level flight along
the invasion beaches and a three-sixty
August 2009
Page 2
over «Ste Marie du Mont» landed safely at Cherbourg were they met again
with the ground crew.
Col Werner Meier
Deserted Border Check Point Basel and In-flight service – Water and Sandwich
The Fort of the «Mitchell» and dinner at Ste Marie du Mont - The 101st Airborne – Reborn in 2009
CAF Swiss Wing
CAF Swiss Wing
in Ste. Mère Eglise before or after. At
any rate it was a lot of fun.
KLACK-KLACK
The Stinson flew over with Smoke and
drew the attention of all the people.
We then had lunch at the castle of the
Mitchells. The castle used to be the
HQ of the Germans and served later
as the command center for the 101st
Airborne Division.
First: The Normandy trip was first
class. It felt a bit like 1944. We were
about 25 people. When we arrived at
Paris Airport we collected our luggage
and were on our way by bus.
After a while we arrived at Omaha
Beach (newly Obama Beach). We
had real invasion weather with a light
wind. From there one should be able
to see Pointe du Hoc but it was too
misty.
In the evening we were at the hotel.
The next day we went to Utah Beach.
Everywhere there was party-time. Just
as at Omaha Beach there were many
museums. I don’t remember if we were
August 2009
Page 3
Aus dem Vorstand
Intentionally left blank
We then drove to the Mulberry Harbor. The last day before our return we
visited Pegasus bridge. Then we flew
home.
Many thanks to Peter Winkler for a
successful trip.
Nico Hürlimann (11 years)
P.S. «Klack-Klack» is the sound of metal
frog used to identify allied troops.
Pilots, Ground Crew and CAF-Swiss
Wing members with the Mitchells in
front of their castle and shown around
the restored interior.
Nico is behind the WW-II motorcycle
CAF Swiss Wing
Paratroopers and members of the CAF Swiss Wing (without parachutes)
Utah Beach on the morning of June 6th 2009, 0845 and 65
years ago
The museum at Utah Beach and two German vehicles.
August 2009
Page 4
CAF Swiss Wing
report
In order to understand why we know
so little about Japan I must delve somewhat into the past. In the 17th
century the entry of foreigners and
in particular Spanish and Portuguese
missionaries was prohibited. Japanese
living abroad and having converted to
Christian faith were denied the right
to return. This was further extended
to any Japanese who wanted to leave
or return to their country.
Europeans who entered illegally were
met with the death sentence. On the
diplomatic level there were very few
contacts in the 17th and 18th century. Trade was limited to a few trading
stations. Only in the 19th century an
Page 5
tructors. Japanese personnel were sent
abroad for training and would return
to take over. On the order of Emperor
Matsuhito some ships were purchased
in France and England. In 1869 the
first armored vessel the Kotetsu (CSS
Stonewall, built in Bordeaux) was
bought from France.
The Japanese
Air Force
The CAF Swiss Wing undertakes another task to throw some light on the
development of Japanese aviation. Research of this topic is not easy and it is
hoped, that readers shall excuse possible inaccuracies.
August 2009
opening began which was encouraged
by Russian, British and United States
interests. The ban on foreign vessels
was only applied in a few cases and
eventually lifted in 1842. This inward
looking attitude was evident even in
school books well into the 20th century and for many Japanese is a very
much part of their heritage.
Soon Japan began to build vessels in
their own ship yards. They had recognized the need for a maritime defense
force to protect their island and trade
routes. In 1910 the purchased their
first airplane from Henri Farman. It
was flown in Japan and served as basis
for local production in the «Tokugawa
Balloon Factory» where a first series of
the type was built.
Ships and Aircraft
With the opening of the country in
the 19th century it became necessary to modernize the maritime defense. Although some ocean going ships
had been built in the 17th century the
main trade was carried by ships of the
NOC the Dutch East-Indies Company which had established a trading
post on an island in the port of Nagasaki.
In 1855 the first Marine training
school was opened with western ins-
The first aircraft carrier «Hosho»
During the first World War Japan sided with Great Britain and obtained
some Nieuport and Salmson 2A-2
Bombers. In connection with this
military trade the British assisted in
the organization and training of the
«Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force»
during the 20-ies. Operational procedures and tactics were adopted from
the Royal Navy and remained much
the same until WW-II while the British continued to improve their naval
competence.
CAF Swiss Wing
August 2009
Page 6
Experimental Float plane N1K1 and the N1K1 Light fighter Type 97 – Ki-27(Nate) :A/C 1st Chutai, 64. Sentai 1939.
A typical example is the use of seaplanes. The Royal Navy made use of
seaplanes in WW II and found them
very useful despite their slow speed
of rarely exceeding 100 mph. Speeds
of 200 mph for water based airplanes
and up to 300 mph for land based planes were soon reached. A prototype
Spitfire with floats was tested but the
project was abandoned. The Japanese
tried to convert Kawanishi N1K1 and
Nakajima A6M2-N fighters without
much success.
The first Japanese aircraft carrier «Hosho» (Flying Phoenix) was commissioned in 1922. It was the first carrier
worldwide specifically built for this
purpose. Japan was in possession of
the latest British carrier designs such as
the «Hermes» and «Argus» which influenced the building of the «Hosho».
Thereafter however battle cruisers and
battle ships were converted to carriers.
Fighters
The first modern fighter was the «Ki27». It was the first low wing aircraft of
the Japanese army. It received considerable attention in combat against the
Soviets at Nomonham in Manchuria
in 1935.
Speed was sacrificed in favor of maneuverability. Weight was reduced and
wing loading of 88.6 kg/m2 was achieved. As a comparison wing loading of
the Swiss C-35 was 98 kg, the Ki-43
123 kg the Me-109 158 kg and the
Hurricane Mk II 154 kg/m2.
In the Nomonham conflict the Ki-27
scored many victories over the Jak-15
until the Jak-16 came into action. Ja-
Ki-43 by Nakajima
panese sources claimed 1252 destroyed
Soviet aircraft.
Out of this type the Ki-43 Hayabusa
(Falcon, Allied code «Oscar») evolved.
The introduction of «Butterfly Flaps»
which were deployed between 3° and
12° improved agility.
Type 1 was equipped with a 950 hp
Ha-25 engine. It was followed in 1943
by Type 2 with 1150 hp, three-blade
propeller and reflex sight. Finally Type
3 with 1250 hp and exhaust thrust
further increased its top speed. In all
5751 aircraft were built.
Part 2 to follow in the next issue of
Contact.
Col Werner Meier
CAF Swiss Wing
August 2009
Page 7
report
Visit to the
Quick-Response Unit
Bremgarten
The CAF had the chance to visit the
command center of the quick response
unit at Bremgarten in connection with
the open-house day for family members and guests of the serving officers
and soldiers.
This unit insures prompt response in
case of emergencies or catastrophes.
Impressive demonstrations provided
an insight into the capabilities of the
heavy equipment such as bulldozers,
cranes, lifting equipment, bridge building, firefighting, pollution control,
water purification in short: for all imaginable calamities this unit would have
the resources to respond.
The soldiers are specialists serving two
year terms a continuous training effort
insures that new recruits are replacing
those leaving the service.
Captain Rohrer gave as an interesting
presentation of the organization.This
unit is ready to serve internationally
upon demand.
After a lunch in the officer’s mess we
were free to move around the grounds
to witness various excercises and inspect some of the exhibited equipment
more closely.
Col Henry Saladin
Lake and river patrol unit, bridges and
pontoons and Firefighters in action
Decontamination after a chemical emergency and Captain Rohrer welcomes the
visitors...
CAF Swiss Wing
August 2009
Page 8
report
DC-3 / HB-IRJ
On July 2nd she started from Opa
Locka, the DC-3 with the registration
HB-IRJ. The «Connie Flyers» group
with Capt. Francis Agllo purchase
the newly restored aircraft and started
their long journey over the Atlantic.
In 23 legs, along the East Coast of
the States, up to New Found Land,
Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, then
to Duxford and over the Channel to
Epinal in France. From there the last
would start on Sunday morning for a
welcoming in Sion.
Over Lake Geneva the Super Connie,
the DC-3 HB-ISC, the Beech 18 and
the new HB-IRJ formed up. In the
Rhone valley several hundred guests
and many old timers among other our
Stinson, two Antonovs, a T-6 and the
Avenger from Lausanne, a Jak and a
Morane from Bex were gathered for
the arrival. The fire brigade presented
their new vehicle with burst from their
water cannon.
The DC-3 is baptized by the fire fighter...
DC-3 and Super Connie on the approach in the Rhone valley, The Alps and the
castle of Sion in the back ground.
Unfortunately the weather caused us to
plan an early return and despite delays
in Refueling and payment of landing
fees. Ferdi Nietlisbach and I managed
to return to Birrfeld in time.
We extend a warm welcome to the
new Old Timer which will be based
in St Stephan, the only field where a
hangar could be found. The military
hangars my not be used.
Our Stinsy and a SNJ
Col Henry Saladin
The Morane and the Avenger
CAF Swiss Wing
August 2009
Page 9
report
Full -Reuenthal
The museum association «Fortress
Reuenthal» celebrated their 20th anniversary with an impressive assembly
of guests.
Two dozen mounted troopers with artillery pieces of WW-II vintage paraded to the tunes of the General Guisan
march. The welcoming speech reviewed the history of the association and
their desire to preserve the remembrance of the defense spirit of those difficult times.
The CAF Swiss wing as a guest of honor duly showed their appreciation
with a fly-past and smoke. Our participation was very much appreciated
and we made a lot of new friends.
Col Henry Saladin
Field gun being fired
Stinsy’s smoke patrol, matched by
steam from a locomotive and a
cooling tower
CAF Swiss Wing
August 2009
Page 10
report
Beauty-Day
On July 11th 2009 our Stinson received its annual beauty treatment to
make her fit and presentable at coming
events.
Small repairs and up-grades were performed and all present enjoyed a barbeque after completion.
Washing and polishing by big and small
Note the tow-bar specially designed by our
maintenance crew
High pressure !!
Well-earned barbeque
CAF Swiss Wing
August 2009
Page 11
Dear Cols and Friends
All quiet on the Western Front? By no means! After a spring with all my weight on
the tri-cycle gear, suddenly a call this last June, nearer to thee my president!
No, not to this little Napoleonic imitation, no, not at all, forward to the «President
of all Presidents» who from the Far West embodying the hopes of the new world
decides to visit the Norman battle fields. More precisely to pay respect to all the
warriors who some 65 years ago undertook the task to teach the occupier a lesson.
With his presidential entourage of maritime destroyers, AWACs and his moving grounding zone for all other flyers
except birds. Flying in over the cliffs and beaches of the Normandy I was in good company and the fun could start
and I put on a grand show.
«Sir, your altitude please?» Col Werner Meier’s voice (not wanting to upset the slightly stressed female controller)«220 feet»- then suddenly the voice of an US Air Force pilot probably from one of the patrolling AWACs: «It’s 180
feet, Sir». Now don’t tell me they don’t have everything under control!
With all the fun and the exciting flights my little battery apparently suffered and had a hard time to deliver the
required amps and a recharge was needed. With a booster on board for the return and sure enough as Auxerre came
into sight my battery neared depletion. Restart with the booster was no problem and with the handheld VHF radio
my home base neared. Logical thinking by my escort however located my problem in the voltage regulator rather
than the suspected battery. Just a question of a little misbehaving spring which was prodded into action by a kick
on its housing! And so a safe return to my base was assured.
Your kicking Stinsy
CAF Swiss Wing
news
News from the committee:
Our main concern remains the recruiting of new members. Efforts
to present our group in the special
press and publications show limited
success. To make ourselves known
at aviation meetings where a more
responsive public prevails. An eight
page handout is being prepared for
this purpose. It covers history and
goals of the CAF(USA and the Swiss
Wing. It will be added to all mailings
of Cosmos Tours which specializes in
visits to air shows. However all members must actively seek new contacts
to promote our goals.
2009
August 2009
Page 12
Veranstaltungen / Reisen
15.-16. August
22.-23. August
29.-30. August
6. September
19. September
10. Oktober
9.-11. Oktober
27. Oktober
21. November
Flugplatzfest Biel-Kappelen
Oldtimer Kestenholz
Dittinger Flugtage
Flügerchilbi Flugplatz Langenthal
Meier Motors, Bremgarten/Breisgau
Warbirdmeeting Mollis
CAF Airshow Midland
RUAG / Emmen
Jahresend-Anlass
Flight OPS
Flight OPS
Flights OPS
CAF SW
Flight OPS
CAF SW
CAF SW
CAF SW
next year will depend on a positive
response from members. Meanwhile
our plans are to concentrate on The
Flying Legends at Duxford and the
Royal Air Tattoo at Fairford.
From Full-Reuenthal:
Tank, horses and our tent.
Unfortunately the visit to CAF Airsho
09 could not take place due to little
interest. The high cost and the difficult times may be a reason. On the
other hand the number of excellent
aviation events nearer home compare favorably with Midland. A visit
Mitfliegen in unserem Warbird «Stinsy»
Koordinator:
Henry Saladin 044 853 0533
Piloten:
Roger Burri 056 667 3843
Werner Meier 056 633 6181
Ferdi Nietlisbach 079 200 7260
Jost Schneeberger 031 911 8177
Max Schönenberger 044 858 2051
CAF Swiss Wing - Shop
CAF Swiss Wing
www.caf-swisswing.ch
Präsident: CAF Col Thomas Lutz
Brunnenwies 53, 8132 Egg
Editor:
CAF Col Werner Meier
Itenhard 47, 5620 Bremgarten
«Contact» ist das Publikationsorgan des Swiss Wing der CAF
in Midland TX, USA
Druck:
Knapp AG, 8918 Unterlunkhofen
S
tinsy-Wein Rotwein , Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Weisswein, Chardonnay , France
Geniessen Sie diesen Stinsy-Wein an einem lauen Sommerabend
und denken Sie daran: Mit jedem Schluck unterstützen sie den
CAF Swiss Wing. Info über den Wein und Bestellformulare finden sie auf unserer Homepage oder rufen Sie mich einfach an.
Diese 0.5 Liter Flasche eignet sich auch sehr gut als Geschenk für
Flieger-Fans. Minimum-Bestellung 6 Flaschen.
Werner Meier, Itenhard 47, 5620 Bremgarten
werner.meier@caf-swisswing.ch
Viele weitere Artikel finden Sie auf unserer Homepage: www.caf-swisswing.ch