caster oil trails

Hi all. Yesterday 2 friends flew in formation a rotary powered pup and a ox 5 powered jenny as the jenney formed up on the pup he could smell the pups castor oil quite a ways behind. We wondered later, if there are any accounts of inline engine pilots actually smelling another plane in the vicinity before they saw it? at night or in low vis? a curious dimension of the air war.

Yes, see Bodenschatz's description in his book describing that JG 1 flyers could smell enemy castor oil but not see any planes. The Germans followed their noses.

[Rick]

Mark,

MOST interesting!! Can you site a page number (and also book, i.e. original Bodenschatz and/or Jans's translation ?). I find that most intriguing. Thanks.

Rick, this was cited in Jan Hayzlett's translation of Bodenschatz's diaries. Just got the book a few days ago, but I do recall reading this, near the end of the book. I believe it was ~ Aug 8-9, just before Löwenhardt's death. Cant get you the page # right now, as I am presently at work.

[Rick]

Mark, Page 113. Thanks, I'd never noticed that before. Rick

[Ginger.]

Brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "sniffing out the enemy".