In a report of HQ Fighter Command RAF is mentioned that the bombs carried by Spitfires Mk IX and XVI of 12 Group on 20th February 1945 were calculated to explode eighteen feet above the ground. The bombs that they used were 250 lb. high explosive bombs. (GP or MC).
What kind of fuze or pistol is that, that will work 18 feet above the ground? Normally they used on dive bombing missions nose pistols No. 27, 42 or 44 or tail pistols No. 28 or 30. Incidentally some No. 37 or 53 pistols (with a 1/2 hours long delay).
I can not believe that a No. 44 diaphragm pistol works 18 feet above the ground if there is not sufficient blast from another detonating bomb. Special because the two bombs that were carried under the wings of a Spitfire were dropped simultaneously.
What kind of fuze or pistol is that, that will work 18 feet above the ground? Normally they used on dive bombing missions nose pistols No. 27, 42 or 44 or tail pistols No. 28 or 30. Incidentally some No. 37 or 53 pistols (with a 1/2 hours long delay).
I can not believe that a No. 44 diaphragm pistol works 18 feet above the ground if there is not sufficient blast from another detonating bomb. Special because the two bombs that were carried under the wings of a Spitfire were dropped simultaneously.