Well here's an astonishing fact
Discussion
You've probably all heard of James Doolittle, who led the one-way bombing raid on Japan in WW2.
Well he won the Schneider Trophy race in 1925 as well!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Trophy
Well he won the Schneider Trophy race in 1925 as well!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Trophy
Simpo Two said:
You've probably all heard of James Doolittle, who led the one-way bombing raid on Japan in WW2.
Well he won the Schneider Trophy race in 1925 as well!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Trophy
Actually, he won the 'Triple Crown' of air racing, (and maybe the only person to do so?) as he also won the Bendix Trophy in 1931 flying a Laird Super Solution biplane and the Thompson Trophy in 1932 in a Gee-Bee R1.Well he won the Schneider Trophy race in 1925 as well!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schneider_Trophy
He was also the pioneer of instrument flying, being the first ever person to take-off, fly and land an aircraft using instruments alone, without being able to see out of the cockpit.
Simpo Two said:
Interesting stuff, thanks. In fact it's unusual that such 'free spirits' would be considered suitable for senior military service.
I've flown with some very senior RAF officers, in an unofficial context.Having a "free spirit", and knowing when and where to use it, is clearly a part of what it takes to make it to the very highest ranks.
Lost soul said:
I think it was him who (between the wars) was court mashaled for demonstrating how aircraft could destroy a battleship
That was Billy Mitchell - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_MitchellFourWheelDrift said:
Lost soul said:
I think it was him who (between the wars) was court mashaled for demonstrating how aircraft could destroy a battleship
That was Billy Mitchell - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_MitchellStill a funny story
Lost soul said:
I think it was him who (between the wars) was court mashaled for demonstrating how aircraft could destroy a battleship
Billy Mitchell: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_MitchellRickenbacker supported him at the court martial. You made the link because Doolittle flew Mitchell bombers!
ETA: Arse!
Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 26th May 17:49
Simpo Two said:
Lost soul said:
I think it was him who (between the wars) was court mashaled for demonstrating how aircraft could destroy a battleship
Billy Mitchell: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_MitchellRickenbacker supported him at the court martial. You made the link because Doolittle flew Mitchell bombers!
ETA: Arse!
Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 26th May 17:49
jmorgan said:
Sure there is a film somewhere of them taking off the carrier in the bombers..... would not have like to have been the first one off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHnwxRfzR2ADoolittle was the first to take off USS Hornet, shortest run to get airbourne. Hornet turned into the wind and he got away, but following Japanese submarine warnings in the area they took off at the maximum possible range.
More here including a later interview with Doolittle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlFAk0NAJko
Edited by FourWheelDrift on Wednesday 26th May 19:43
Ayahuasca said:
Simpo Two said:
Lost soul said:
I think it was him who (between the wars) was court mashaled for demonstrating how aircraft could destroy a battleship
Billy Mitchell: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_MitchellRickenbacker supported him at the court martial. You made the link because Doolittle flew Mitchell bombers!
ETA: Arse!
Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 26th May 17:49
Eric Mc said:
Ayahuasca said:
Simpo Two said:
Lost soul said:
I think it was him who (between the wars) was court mashaled for demonstrating how aircraft could destroy a battleship
Billy Mitchell: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_MitchellRickenbacker supported him at the court martial. You made the link because Doolittle flew Mitchell bombers!
ETA: Arse!
Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 26th May 17:49
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