Friendly fire

servicepub (RIP) · #1 16-09-08, 02:51

Here are a couple of shots of CMPs after the USAAF mistook them for a German convoy. The photos were taken shortly after D-Day.

http://www.servicepub.com/images/dsc04944a.jpg

http://www.servicepub.com/images/dsc04945a.jpg

Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP) · #2 16-09-08, 03:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by servicepub

Here are a couple of shots of CMPs after the USAAF mistook them for a German convoy. The photos were taken shortly after D-Day.

Gee, some things just don't change, do they?

RHClarke · #3 16-09-08, 04:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

Gee, some things just don't change, do they?

...it seems that the "fog of war" occurs at a time of its own choosing. Lots of money is being devoted to prevent blue on blue events, but for the immediate future, there will continue to be less than 100 percent situational awareness.

As long as human are at the controls of the war machine, mistakes will be made. Ego, neglect, fatigue, lapses in judgement, poor navigation skills, and outright disobedience to rules of engagement will persist. Throw in equipment malfunctions and now we have set the scene for more blue on blue events.

So? What is the solution? Make war no more? Nice sentiment, but as long as there are irreconcilable differences between humans, the potential will exist, and with it more blue on blue.

DND has a project devoted to reducing the incidence of these types of errors - I don't envy their task...

Hanno Spoelstra · #4 17-09-08, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by servicepub

Here are a couple of shots of CMPs after the USAAF mistook them for a German convoy. The photos were taken shortly after D-Day.

Clive,

Thanks for posting these. I have seen them in B&W, good to see them in colour now.

What is that in the back of the 15-cwt? A cable reel?

Hanno