In march 1945 two flights of the 1st GAvCa flew a mission against a railbridge north of Venice, near a town called Casarza. During this mission, the P-47D4 belonging to the Lt. Rui Moreira Lima was hit by flak, loosing two pistons. With a smoking engine he pursued his attack against the objective with bombs and machine gun, almost knowing he was going to jump after that.
Well, after the attack he managed someway to extinguish the engine fire and followed his leader's directions (windscreen full of oil) in a blind flight to the nearest allied airbase.
Luckily for him a RAF Boston Squadron, formed mostly by Poles, had recently occupied the aerodrome of Forli, right into Moreira Lima's way.
Hurt in the eye and with other injuries he managed to make a good belly landing that was warmly received by the polish crews around. So happy they were that the young lieutenant was instantly transported to their mess where he was forced to celebrate with them and a LOT of vodka.
Well he passed out and entered an alcoholic coma after that, being transported to the military hospital at Livorno where he regained conscience a day or so later.
Why a coincidence?
I was flying a mission I had just wrote recreating this almost tragic mission. Over Casarza I was hit and my jug's engine began to fail. However, with a bit of luck I managed to fly to the first aliied airbase I saw (near the actual Forli location), where I did a successful belly landing too!!!
Now, all I have to do is look around for a bottle of vodka!!:costumes:
:isadizzy:
BTW, here's some pic's. This mission can be loaded soon if you're interested.
Cheers
Well, after the attack he managed someway to extinguish the engine fire and followed his leader's directions (windscreen full of oil) in a blind flight to the nearest allied airbase.
Luckily for him a RAF Boston Squadron, formed mostly by Poles, had recently occupied the aerodrome of Forli, right into Moreira Lima's way.
Hurt in the eye and with other injuries he managed to make a good belly landing that was warmly received by the polish crews around. So happy they were that the young lieutenant was instantly transported to their mess where he was forced to celebrate with them and a LOT of vodka.
Well he passed out and entered an alcoholic coma after that, being transported to the military hospital at Livorno where he regained conscience a day or so later.
Why a coincidence?
I was flying a mission I had just wrote recreating this almost tragic mission. Over Casarza I was hit and my jug's engine began to fail. However, with a bit of luck I managed to fly to the first aliied airbase I saw (near the actual Forli location), where I did a successful belly landing too!!!
Now, all I have to do is look around for a bottle of vodka!!:costumes:
:isadizzy:BTW, here's some pic's. This mission can be loaded soon if you're interested.
Cheers
