To: What-ho Squiffy
It is my understanding that it has nothing to do with the color or the texture but it is the shape. The bomb release (by the bombardier) was shaped somewhat like a pickle and the release button was at one end. Hence the bombardier pickled or released the bombs by pressing the button (switch). At least this is true for US Aircraft of WWII vintage.
To: SASless
And what is wrong with the Hooligan Navy. I spent six years in that service and I never saw anyone looking out of a port hole trying to spot whales or any inference that there was a golden rivet somewhere in the deep recess of the ship. I know because I checked.
