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[[strikethrough]] CONFIDENTIAL [[/strikethrough]]
[[underline]] COPY [[/underline]]

SOURCE: Lt. Weidner
Observer-Bombardier.
A-1

HEADQUARTERS FOURTEENTH FERRYING GROUP
AIR TRANSPORT COMMAND
OFFICE OF THE INTELLIGENCE OFFICER
IAH/rlr

APO 622,
Miami, Florida,
March 22, 1943.

SUBJECT: Interrogation of Observer-Bombardier of A-20, #423541, Which Forced Landed near Atar, Mauritania.

TO: Commanding Officer, 14th Ferrying Group

1. Following is information from interrogation of Lt. Weidner, Observer-Bombardier of the A-20 which made wheels up landing in sand dunes SE of Atar at approximately 19 [[degrees]] 50' N - 12 [[degrees]] 30' W on March 10.

The crew stayed by the plane three nights meanwhile finding caravan trail. Started off on trail, found well and spent night. Met caravan next day, travelled with them three days. Were met by French Camel Corps on fourth day who took them to Chinguetti where they were picked up by C-47 sent from Atar.

2. While Lt. Weidner's initiative in bringing himself, the pilot, and S/Sgt Petchal, gunner, safely thru the experience is due to his individual judgment under the circumstances, his suggestions which follow may well be on value to others.

3. Briefing:

A. All crew members should attend oral briefing. Pilots in convoy are apt to depend on flight leader knowing the route so do not bother themselves.

B. Written briefing notes are not read by majority of pilots. Recommends that since crews often have some time while waiting at Morrison Field, a briefing class be held in which all written briefing material is read aloud to crews; same procedure to be followed at other stations en route.

C. More thorough briefing on forced landings should be given. Psychological effect of briefing on forced landing procedure before first ocean or desert takeoff is less important than making sure [[underlined]] members [[/underlined]] of crew have proper information. All crew members should be briefed so any survivors of crash will have information.

D. Experiences of others who have made forced landings on sea, jungle, or desert should be made available where of benefit to crews.

[[strikethrough]] CONFIDENTIAL [[/strikethrough]]