27.06.2009, 03:58
Thanks to all you for the comments
@ bohr-r
The name 'Lebefre' is fictional so no, it isn't a spelling mistake. I am curious why you suggested the revision. Is 'Lefebre' a common french name?
The story is entirely mine I'm afraid, so any gaffs you can blame me for!
@ struwwelpeter
As bohr-r correctly points out, I was writing from the perspective of the french pilot, and to him, the 109 would have a slightly sinister aspect. Personally, I love the Bf109, I think it's a great aeroplane (although I confess I must remain patriotic and thus the more elegant Spitfire wins my heart every time).
Now, about the strafing. It did ocrur in May 1940, there's newsreel footage of the carnage resulting. Naturally being on the receiving side you'd have a dim view of that practice. In fairness to the Germans however, they were aware that allied forces often shared the road with civilians and may well have considered the collateral casualties as inconsequential compared to the damage they would cause to allied troops amongst them. The idea wasn't actually to cause casualties as such, but speed the retreat, cause chaos and confusion, and disturb enemy morale.
I would like to point out however there is also some gun camera footage from an allied fighter who strafes a farmer on a hay wagon in the late war. Both sides indulged in this practice to a greater or lesser degree and much depends on the character and eyesight of the pilot concerned.
@ bohr-r
The name 'Lebefre' is fictional so no, it isn't a spelling mistake. I am curious why you suggested the revision. Is 'Lefebre' a common french name?
The story is entirely mine I'm afraid, so any gaffs you can blame me for!
@ struwwelpeter
As bohr-r correctly points out, I was writing from the perspective of the french pilot, and to him, the 109 would have a slightly sinister aspect. Personally, I love the Bf109, I think it's a great aeroplane (although I confess I must remain patriotic and thus the more elegant Spitfire wins my heart every time).
Now, about the strafing. It did ocrur in May 1940, there's newsreel footage of the carnage resulting. Naturally being on the receiving side you'd have a dim view of that practice. In fairness to the Germans however, they were aware that allied forces often shared the road with civilians and may well have considered the collateral casualties as inconsequential compared to the damage they would cause to allied troops amongst them. The idea wasn't actually to cause casualties as such, but speed the retreat, cause chaos and confusion, and disturb enemy morale.
I would like to point out however there is also some gun camera footage from an allied fighter who strafes a farmer on a hay wagon in the late war. Both sides indulged in this practice to a greater or lesser degree and much depends on the character and eyesight of the pilot concerned.