Someone Talked! *RERELEASE* Black Snow and the B-29 with James Scott
Aug 21, 2024
James Scott, a celebrated author and World War II historian, dives into the harrowing firebombing of Tokyo and its implications for nuclear warfare. He shares gripping accounts of B-29 bomber crews facing immense technical and emotional challenges. The discussion shifts to Japan's wartime decisions and the tragic human costs, especially for civilians in the Philippines. Scott also reflects on the trauma of war and its connection to the civil rights movement, highlighting how the struggles of that era shaped future generations.
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B-29 Engine Fires
- B-29s were prone to engine fires, causing crews to have fire extinguishers at the ready.
- Paul Tibbets noted the difficulty of a B-29 round trip without engine trouble.
Sensory Experience of Firebombing
- During low-level bombing, thermals buffeted planes, and the smell of burning flesh entered bomb bays.
- Reporter Martin Sheridan described smelling Tokyo burning, while Captain Charles Phillips called it "the smell of death."
B-29's Impact
- The B-29, America's most expensive weapon system, was a revolutionary leap in aviation engineering.
- Despite its advanced technology, it likely wouldn't have deterred the Pearl Harbor attack.
