Parachutes in World War II: Did Pilots and Soldiers Use Them?

The use of parachutes during World War II was a critical development in aviation and military history, saving countless lives and changing the way pilots and soldiers operated. Pilots, as well as soldiers, had access to these life-saving devices, which were essential for survival in missions fraught with danger.

Parachute Usage for Pilots

During World War II, pilots and crew members relied on parachutes to ensure their safety. Typically, fighter pilots wore a backpack-type parachute, while bomber and patrol plane crews wore a parachute harness. However, the chest-style parachute was stored elsewhere in the aircraft, often hung up in the plane to save space.

A unique case is that of Kamikaze suicide pilots. Surprisingly, even they wore parachutes. Interestingly, the serviceman who provided the information served in a US Navy patrol plane squadron circa 1961 and wore both a personal flotation device (nicknamed the "Mae West") and a parachute harness over his flight suit. The leg straps of the harness were kept loose for greater comfort, while the chest chutes were stored elsewhere in the aircraft.

Japanese Parachute Usage in Question

The Japanese attitude towards parachute usage during World War II is somewhat unclear. One popular English biography suggests that it was optional. While the American author of the book also wrote novels and screenplays, it's important to note that over the years, the information presented in his works has blurred the line between fact and fiction. The reliability of information about whether Kamikaze pilots wore parachutes remains uncertain, as there is limited accessible and reliable English-language information on the subject.

Parachute Usage for Soldiers

The use of parachutes was not just restricted to pilots. Soldiers also had access to and used these devices, particularly for airborne operations. US, GB, and Allied soldiers employed parachutes to be dropped from planes, allowing them to land in Europe safely. In battle scenarios, such as the D-Day invasion, and other airborne missions, soldiers relied on parachutes to survive. These airborne operations were crucial for reconnoitering enemy territory and delivering troops directly into battlefields.

Impact of Parachutes in Combat

In the Battle of Britain, fighter pilots could bail out and parachute down to safety if their planes were shot up. Many bomber crews, when shot down over Germany, would bail out, parachute to the ground, and be captured by the enemy but placed in POW camps, thus avoiding imminent danger. This contributed significantly to the resilience of the Allied forces, as pilots and soldiers could return to their bases, be readied for further missions, and continue their fight effectively.

Overall, the use of parachutes during World War II was a testament to the ingenuity and determination of military personnel to save lives and continue to fight despite the dangers. Their inclusion in military operations was crucial, and their significance cannot be overstated.