Post by Dave Homewood on Jan 22, 2020 10:05:29 GMT 12
As an ex-Safety and Surface Worker, I found this wartime article from the Evening Post dated 20th of May 1944 of interest.
SAVING LIVES
HINTS FOR AIRCREWS
DINGHIES IN THE PACIFIC
It is perhaps easy to visualise an aircraft down in the lonely waters of the Pacific Ocean, but it is unlikely that the average person has ever paused to think just what the crew off the aircraft can do to save themselves. Surprising to relate, there is much they can do. But in the lonely vastness of an ocean that is not always peaceful that crew, without putting several important principles into effect, could quite easily be lost to the war effort.
A booklet full of unusual information has been prepared by the Intelligence section of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. "The purpose of this booklet is to help you to help yourself under emergency conditions," the Chief of Air Staff (Air Vice-Marshal L., M. Isitt) states in a foreword addressed to aircrews. A copy of the booklet is included in the pilot's kit, and, in addition to that all members of operational aircrews are required to study it closely.
The peculiarities of dinghies are dealt with in detail; the use of maps in intelligence kits is mentioned, and natural aids to navigation are listed and explained. For instance, floating seaweed is an indication of land; sound is also another indication, as it travels great distances over water. It is not generally known that the smell of bush fires can be detected 50 to 60 miles out to sea. Clouds and birds provide other indications for natural navigation.
LIVING WITHOUT WATER.
The booklet goes on to point out how men can live for a week without water, and one teacup of water a day will sustain life for a long time. A warning against drinking sea water is emphasised, as salt water diminishes the water reserve of the body, irritates the stomach, and causes vomiting. As barefoot walking on coral will cut the feet to ribbons, a special warning to retain boots is given. Feet must be periodically lifted out of the water and dried to prevent gangrene.
Fishing hints given in the booklet include the use of the vutu or Japanese lantern nut. If the flesh of the nut is grated on to the surface of the sea when there is a shoal of fish in the vicinity of the dinghy, the fish will rise to the surface and snap at the fragments. Shortly afterwards they will float belly upwards in a stunned state. Fish have to be cleaned quickly in the Tropics. The more common poisonous fish are listed and described, and the best antidote for fish poisoning is a gulp of sea water, to induce rapid vomiting. Sharks, like all varieties of fish which do not have scales, are salty, and their flesh should not be eaten unless there is plenty of fresh water available.
DEALING WITH SHARKS.
Aircrews are told that they must not do any fishing at sea when there are sharks and porpoises around; they may lose their lines. Sharks are described as cowardly, and are puzzled by noise. They can be scared away by firing a revolver under the water, or by striking two metallic objects together, also under water.
"If caught in, the water, always face the shark," the booklet states. "Like many fish; its nose is tender, and a hit or a kick on the nose will usually satisfy its curiosity. The fins are almost as tender as the nose."
Methods of living off the land are described in the second part of the booklet, and include fire-making hints and tips on hut building. First-aid hints are not overlooked, and dangerous animals and reptiles are listed. Special advice is given to the effect that clothing and anklets should be kept closely buttoned. Such matters as building rafts, contacting natives, and speaking to them, receive attention.
Animal and vegetable foods are also listed, and it is surprising just what can be found on a tropical island. Of course, cooking hints are mentioned.
Before it concludes with a full index the booklet gives "snap" glossaries of native dialects and "pidgin" English. Altogether, it should be an important contribution towards saving valuable lives. After all, it is important that the very complete emergency kits included in operational aircraft should be used to the best advantage.
SAVING LIVES
HINTS FOR AIRCREWS
DINGHIES IN THE PACIFIC
It is perhaps easy to visualise an aircraft down in the lonely waters of the Pacific Ocean, but it is unlikely that the average person has ever paused to think just what the crew off the aircraft can do to save themselves. Surprising to relate, there is much they can do. But in the lonely vastness of an ocean that is not always peaceful that crew, without putting several important principles into effect, could quite easily be lost to the war effort.
A booklet full of unusual information has been prepared by the Intelligence section of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. "The purpose of this booklet is to help you to help yourself under emergency conditions," the Chief of Air Staff (Air Vice-Marshal L., M. Isitt) states in a foreword addressed to aircrews. A copy of the booklet is included in the pilot's kit, and, in addition to that all members of operational aircrews are required to study it closely.
The peculiarities of dinghies are dealt with in detail; the use of maps in intelligence kits is mentioned, and natural aids to navigation are listed and explained. For instance, floating seaweed is an indication of land; sound is also another indication, as it travels great distances over water. It is not generally known that the smell of bush fires can be detected 50 to 60 miles out to sea. Clouds and birds provide other indications for natural navigation.
LIVING WITHOUT WATER.
The booklet goes on to point out how men can live for a week without water, and one teacup of water a day will sustain life for a long time. A warning against drinking sea water is emphasised, as salt water diminishes the water reserve of the body, irritates the stomach, and causes vomiting. As barefoot walking on coral will cut the feet to ribbons, a special warning to retain boots is given. Feet must be periodically lifted out of the water and dried to prevent gangrene.
Fishing hints given in the booklet include the use of the vutu or Japanese lantern nut. If the flesh of the nut is grated on to the surface of the sea when there is a shoal of fish in the vicinity of the dinghy, the fish will rise to the surface and snap at the fragments. Shortly afterwards they will float belly upwards in a stunned state. Fish have to be cleaned quickly in the Tropics. The more common poisonous fish are listed and described, and the best antidote for fish poisoning is a gulp of sea water, to induce rapid vomiting. Sharks, like all varieties of fish which do not have scales, are salty, and their flesh should not be eaten unless there is plenty of fresh water available.
DEALING WITH SHARKS.
Aircrews are told that they must not do any fishing at sea when there are sharks and porpoises around; they may lose their lines. Sharks are described as cowardly, and are puzzled by noise. They can be scared away by firing a revolver under the water, or by striking two metallic objects together, also under water.
"If caught in, the water, always face the shark," the booklet states. "Like many fish; its nose is tender, and a hit or a kick on the nose will usually satisfy its curiosity. The fins are almost as tender as the nose."
Methods of living off the land are described in the second part of the booklet, and include fire-making hints and tips on hut building. First-aid hints are not overlooked, and dangerous animals and reptiles are listed. Special advice is given to the effect that clothing and anklets should be kept closely buttoned. Such matters as building rafts, contacting natives, and speaking to them, receive attention.
Animal and vegetable foods are also listed, and it is surprising just what can be found on a tropical island. Of course, cooking hints are mentioned.
Before it concludes with a full index the booklet gives "snap" glossaries of native dialects and "pidgin" English. Altogether, it should be an important contribution towards saving valuable lives. After all, it is important that the very complete emergency kits included in operational aircraft should be used to the best advantage.
