Journey Together a 1945 movie based on RAF aircrew training

[baronbeeza]

[Dave Homewood]

That is a good film. The Lancaster scenes are particularly well done.

It is interesting that some of the Stearmans have no roundels. I wonder if that was simply for the film. I note Dave's one jumps from no roundels in the air to having them on his hard landing.

[davidd]

I think the application of fuselage "roundels" on USAAF training aircraft during WW2 was tempered by the complete lack of enemy aircraft in the "Zone of the Interior", and quick recognition by others in the air or on the ground was probably served better by the wing roundels, especially on undersides. I think both US Army and Navy were implicated in the observance of these rules, although pre-WW2, no fuselage roundels were used by any American services (based entirely on memory here, so may be mistaken!) Likewise the Japanese were also rather undecided on these ideas, and possibly followed the American pattern so far as I can make out, although even their combat aircraft may have lacked fuselage "meatballs" early in the war, as well as pre-war. The RAF (and the colonies!) may have been one of the few militaries that insisted on roundels in six locations, plus rudder/fin stripes, on the basis of "more is better".
David D

[chinapilot]

Thanks - excellent movie.

There is a RNZAF wireless operator in the credits - Stuart Dick.