There's always something unusual to be learned from this exceptional series of programs. Many viewers are likely to be familiar with some of the figures and events but this series, while it covers most of the already popular material, tells us things we don't already know.
James Doolittle was already a famous aviator when the war began, having broken numerous flying records, won trophies, and then accomplished other feats that brought fliers to the attention of the public during the 20s and 30s.
After Pearl Harbor, Colonel Doolittle did was he best known for having done, leading a flight of B-25s to bomb Japan early in 1942. He survived the nearly suicidal attack and led the US Air Force during the North African campaign. After that, he replaced General Eaker as commander of the 8th Air Force, whose mission was to send B-17s and B-24s on bombing missions over Europe. Until the slow bombers were finally escorted by long-range fighters, the losses were appalling. About one out of every three Flying Fortresses built were brought down by enemy fire and the American daylight bombing program was suspended for a while.
Doolittle subsequently made a mistake that was news to me. The British had broken the German code and were listening (in real time) to orders sent out to military units. It gave the Allies an enormous advantage and, of course, needed to be kept absolutely secret. But Doolittle, a daredevil himself who knew about Enigma and had flown on some missions, gave permission to his intelligence officer to do the same, later in the war. It was supposed to be a milk run but the B-17 was brought down by flak and the intelligence officer captured. The command was gripped by anxiety. What if the POW talked? But he didn't. Doolittle was replaced by Spaatz but if there was any connection it's not brought out.
Missing from this episode is one of Doolittle's more spectacular achievements. The B-26 Martin Marauder, a medium bomber, had been rushed into production at the beginning of the war and was considered unsafe to fly. Accidents at the Florida training field were killing too many pilots and crew. "One a day in Tampa Bay", went the saying.
Doolittle was sent down to examine the problem. With the crews and staff watching, he took up one of the hated airplanes and flew it around in a series of aerobatics. Then he shut down one engine and flew it over the field standing on its wing. The problem was not with the B-26 but with the kind of training the pilots were being given. Actually, the problem lay partly with the design too, and it was modified for greater stability.
It's always interesting to see a subject about which you already know a little, expanded to include some improbable information that adds to your knowledge.
James Doolittle was already a famous aviator when the war began, having broken numerous flying records, won trophies, and then accomplished other feats that brought fliers to the attention of the public during the 20s and 30s.
After Pearl Harbor, Colonel Doolittle did was he best known for having done, leading a flight of B-25s to bomb Japan early in 1942. He survived the nearly suicidal attack and led the US Air Force during the North African campaign. After that, he replaced General Eaker as commander of the 8th Air Force, whose mission was to send B-17s and B-24s on bombing missions over Europe. Until the slow bombers were finally escorted by long-range fighters, the losses were appalling. About one out of every three Flying Fortresses built were brought down by enemy fire and the American daylight bombing program was suspended for a while.
Doolittle subsequently made a mistake that was news to me. The British had broken the German code and were listening (in real time) to orders sent out to military units. It gave the Allies an enormous advantage and, of course, needed to be kept absolutely secret. But Doolittle, a daredevil himself who knew about Enigma and had flown on some missions, gave permission to his intelligence officer to do the same, later in the war. It was supposed to be a milk run but the B-17 was brought down by flak and the intelligence officer captured. The command was gripped by anxiety. What if the POW talked? But he didn't. Doolittle was replaced by Spaatz but if there was any connection it's not brought out.
Missing from this episode is one of Doolittle's more spectacular achievements. The B-26 Martin Marauder, a medium bomber, had been rushed into production at the beginning of the war and was considered unsafe to fly. Accidents at the Florida training field were killing too many pilots and crew. "One a day in Tampa Bay", went the saying.
Doolittle was sent down to examine the problem. With the crews and staff watching, he took up one of the hated airplanes and flew it around in a series of aerobatics. Then he shut down one engine and flew it over the field standing on its wing. The problem was not with the B-26 but with the kind of training the pilots were being given. Actually, the problem lay partly with the design too, and it was modified for greater stability.
It's always interesting to see a subject about which you already know a little, expanded to include some improbable information that adds to your knowledge.
