View Full Version : B-29 Crew Rescued By Sub (film)
Just been sent this.
Entire B-29 crew rescued by sub (http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid34762914001?bctid=672454611001)
An amazing story and incredible anyone survived the crash (ditching).
I did try a search but no hits. Apologies to all if it's an old un.
onetrack
5th Mar 2011, 02:24
Them's 12 lucky lads, and mostly due to one quick-acting PIC. The damage must have been substantial... and it also appears the B-29 was still carrying a lot of fuel, judging by the volume of smoke.
"Found Film Recounts B-29 Rescue 66 Years Ago.
This online video is breathing new life into a TV news story that aired last month about an incredible discovery: color film of a B-29 crash as well as the sea rescue of 12 airmen during World War II.
Richard Vanden Heuvel, of Denver, Colorado, was tail gunner on the mission more than 65 years ago. He told KUSA NBC Channel 9 in Denver that the film found its way to his door when it was found after many years stored away in a closet.
Vanden Heuvel recalled that after the bomber sustained heavy damage, the pilot told everyone to bail out, and they all did just before the Superfortress crash-landed into the sea 70 miles off the coast of Japan.
The found footage, shot by an officer aboard a nearby U.S. submarine, shows the airplane plunge into the ocean and explode as airmen floated to the water after safely bailing. The rescued men were also shown boarding the sub.
A videotaped copy of the long-forgotten film found its way to Vanden Heuvel, who is seen in one segment clinging to the ripcord of his parachute."
EAA Video Player - Your Source for Aviation Videos (http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=739272297001)
Ah, didn't realise they bailed out. Watched it with the sound down on a small screen.
I'm still amazed that a sub crewman could afford colour film.
Most film used in the Pacific theatre (later on) was of the color variety.
By design.