Page:Objects Dropped From The Air p38.jpg

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

38

14. GERMAN VISUAL TARGET INDICATORS

One type of target indicator consists of a container of thin cardboard rolled to form an open-ended cylinder 1 in. diameter and 0.1 in, thick and either 8 in. or 3½ in. long. Both ends are strengthened by a metal capping and one end is closed by a cardboard disc. It is filled with a flare composition, grey in colour, designed to ignite on impact with the ground.

Various other target indicators may be developed and any small cardboard or metal tube of this sort should be reported immediately.

15. FLARES AND FLARE PARACHUTES

Parachute flares are of two main types, one with a single candle, and the other having four. The complete unit consists of a cylindrical aluminium or pressed paper casing, 3 ft. 3 in. long and 8 in. in diameter, and contains the parachute, detonator, and the candle or candles (see Figure 56). Where there is only a single candle, it is 24 in. in length and 7 in. in diameter. Where there are four candles, they measure about 24 in. by 3 in. diameter, and are mounted on a flat steel pressing, roughly the shape of a Maltese cross.

The following markings on the outside casing have been seen:—

DEPYFAG 2:40 Lief. 9.

The outside of the candles has the appearance of polished aluminium

Figure 56.—Parachute Flare Casing
Figure 57.—Parachute Flare—Burnt Out
Figure 58.—Small Parachute Flare