RAF target indicators

Recceswind · Dec 9, 2009

Hello,

I'm looking for any info about RAF target indicators:
- C.P. No. 1 (what does C.P. mean?)
- T.I. Red B25
- T.I. Green B25
- T.I. No. 27.

Thanks for help!

LRusso216 · Dec 9, 2009

Here's an excerpt from a Wiki article on Pathfinders and their use of illuminators and target indicators. Hope this helps a bit.

PFF crews found themselves given ever increasingly sophisticated and complex jobs and tasks that were constantly modified and developed tactically during the bombing campaign from 1943 until the end of the war. Some of the more usual tasks were as:
"Finders"; these were 8 Group aircraft tasked with dropping sticks of illuminating flares, firstly at critical points along the bombing route to aid navigation and keep the bomber stream compact, and then across the approximate target area. If conditions were cloudy then these were dropped 'blind' using H2S navigational radar.
"Illuminators"; were PFF aircraft flying in front of the main force who would drop markers or Target indicators ( TI's) onto the designated 'aiming point' already illuminated by the "Finders". Again, if conditions were cloudy H2S navigational radar was used. These TI's were designed to burn with various and varying colours to prevent the German defenses lighting decoy fires. Various TI's were dubbed 'Pink Pansies', 'Red Spots' , and 'Smoke Puffs'. "Illuminators" could include Mosquitoes equipped with 'Oboe' if the target was within the range of this highly accurate bombing aid.
"Markers"; would then drop incendiaries onto the TI's just prior to the Main Force arrival. Further "Markers" called " Backers-Up" or "Supporters" would be distributed at points within the main bomber stream to remark or reinforce the original TI's as required.
Click to expand...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathfinder_(RAF)

Here is a link to a pretty good visual presentation of the use of Target Indicators.
http://www.raf.mod.uk/bombercommand/images/target.swf

Hop · Dec 11, 2009

I assume "CP No. 1" means Cluster Projectile Mk 1.

From "British Explosive Ordnance" by the US Bureau of Ordnance. I believe it's not covered by copyright and someone posted a download link to it:
British Explosive Ordnance - wk2ammo

If you can't get a copy, let me know, and I'll post the bits on the B25 and 27.

Skipper · Dec 11, 2009

I assume T.I = target indicator. Different colors were used randomly to avoid german from sending dummies.

Recceswind · Dec 11, 2009

Wow, thanks Hop! It's great!

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RAF target indicators

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