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

E. It is questionable whether crews should be advised to stay by plane for seven days if crashed on desert. If Lt. Weidner had waited at plane until water supply was gone, it is doubtful if they could have saved themsevles.

4. Suggestions for Desert Escape:

A. Recommends if there are several survivors, some stay at plane and others make searches on certain bearings for agreed length of time for water and caravan trails.

B. If help does not come in reasonable time and if water has been found, gazelle and other game are abundant on desert in this area.

C. Pack only essentials:

[[underlined]] 1 [[/underlined]]. All ammunition.

[[underlined]] 2 [[/underlined]]. Heavy clothing unnecessary by day but too cold to sleep even by fire at night without blankets.

[[underlined]] 3 [[/underlined]]. Remove rations from paraffin packages - lightens weight and can pack more in musette bags. (Lt. Weidner does not like musette bags - prefers old infantry pack with blanket roll.)

[[underlined]] 4 [[/underlined]]. Pack flares.

5. Water on Desert:

A. Camel trails lead to water on desert.

B. Note direction of birds flying - they may lead to water.

C. If you can see vegetation, head for it - may indicate water.

D. Wells may be easily passed unnoticed. Do not expect open water holes or springs.

E. Dug wells often quite deep - pack cord from parachute to lower canteens into well.

F. Medicate water.

G. Recommends every plane, in addition to canteens and 5 gallon cans, be supplied with canvas water bags; or that they be included in jungle kit. Easier to carry than 5 gallon water tins.

6. Loading of A-20s:

A. Rations and water should not be packed in nose - too easily destroyed or hard to get at in crash landing.

B. Rations on floor in rear gunner's position were spoiled by gasoline on floor which had seeped in presumably from bomb bay tank on takeoff.

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