Aero-Linx!

Scouring the information super airways can sometimes be a tough, if educational, task for the Aero-News staff... but it also allows us to check out some truly neat and exciting sites, so it's not that bad a gig. On any given day, we may check dozens (and often hundreds) of different sources for story ideas, and facts confirmation. And, as is the nature of our business, much of this is done on the Internet.

The ANN gang decided we probably shouldn't keep some of the neat sites, info resources, and organizations we've discovered to ourselves... so we decided to bring you Aero-Linx. These are the sites that WE check out -- when we need added perspective, a new spin on a day's topic... or just want to escape into cyber-aero-space for awhile.

Look for some of our favorite sites, coming each day to ANN via Aero-Linx. Suggestions for future Aero-Linx segments are always welcome, as well.

Aero-Linx: Stalag Luft 1

During World War II approximately 8,939 Allied Airmen (7,588 American and 1,351 Royal Air Force) were imprisoned by the Germans at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany. This website is in remembrance of James Richard (Dick) Williams, Jr., of Eufaula, AL. During World War II, he flew with America's Mighty 8th Air Force. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was sent for training as an aerial gunner to Drew Field in Tampa, FL and Langley AFB in Virginia.

In July 1944 he was assigned to the 398th Bomb Group, 600th Bomb Squad stationed in Nuthampstead, England as a waist gunner on a B-17G. On November 26, 1944 (his 29th mission), his plans to return home in time for Christmas came literally to a crashing end. While flying in the lead, radar equipped plane on a mission to Misburg, Germany, shortly after "bombs away", the plane was hit by flak. The pilot left formation as he tried desperately to get the plane under control and make his way back to England. The crew began to jettison everything they could find to lighten the load, but it became apparent that they would not be back in their warm beds in England that night. Instead, they would be a "guests" of Adolf Hitler in Germany. The pilot soon gave the "Bail Out" order and all ten parachuted and landed quite close together near the town of Detmold, Germany. They were quickly rounded up by the local townspeople and incarcerated.

This site provides an extensive collection of stories, photos, and detailed accounts of life after being shot down behind enemy lines.

FMI: www.merkki.com