WWII German rescue buoy - photos

**Altair** · Jan 15, 2020, 10:51 PM

WWII German rescue buoy for downed Luftwaffe pilots.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...y_fullsize.jpg

Previously:

1942 sinking of the USS Lexington - video
Pre-WWII naval battle smoke curtain - GIF

**IntheGroove** · Jan 16, 2020, 05:37 PM

And of course the soon to be empty bottle of brandy...

**drivermark** · Jan 16, 2020, 06:59 PM

Never heard of those before, thanks for the history lesson.

**jdurand** · Jan 16, 2020, 07:03 PM

It seems those would be a lot of trouble, couldn't they just send out small boats to pick up any pilots? These things would be targets for any British ship or plane.

**greyhoundollie** · Jan 16, 2020, 08:04 PM

British/American submarines could pick up German prisoners there to insure they don't get back into the air until after the war.

**tooly** · Jan 16, 2020, 11:06 PM

That is the first I have heard of them, it never fails to amaze me how many things wear dream-pt up in the second word war. Also no sign of water tanks but lots of concrete ballast, maybe no time for tea? Hah found the fresh water tank and sink, certainly packed a lot in a small space.

**MeJasonT** · Jan 17, 2020, 02:43 AM

Its a genius idea when you think about it, either side could use them. Whats to stop their enemy using them - unless there was a secret Enigma lock.
It would be like the Martin Baker Ejector Seat. Designed and built for the good of all. I have managed to see nearly all of the different mark's of seat working at my local air museum, there are one or two which were out of enemy aircraft. Perhaps its down to the aircraft being built in friendly countries and acquired by hostile states in arm's sales. It would make sense for the allies to destroy them but could we considering they are emblazoned with a red cross. That symbol is as important as a white flag, under the rules of engagement and the Geneva Convention it would be hard to justify blowing one up with guys inside it. Even if it was empty it would be like blowing up a fleet of empty Ambulances. Modern warfare does have a little hint as towards the occupation and workload of stretcher bearers and auxiliary support on the battle field. The modern guns are designed to lame not kill for the sole purpose of hindering the enemy's man power, if you kill an enemy combatant then he is dead that’s it - if you injure him it takes at least one other person to drag him away to safety and a second to provide covering fire. You have cost the enemy 3 men, even if it only delays their advance.

hard to tell if the cross is red or black? Nope says red on drawing.