My grampa was a flamethrower in the Pacific war, and granted, he didn't speak much about it except for a few stories. Like torching a cave full of Japanese after they shot his close buddy right in front of him. Does anyone have stories or information on the training, expertise, routine warfare, etc. on flamethrowers? I'm very curious to know more about what my grandfather may have experienced.
grampa's girl, I haven't seen much about the use of flamethrowers in WW2, especially US ones, but I did find some specs that might give you an idea about what your gramps might have had to deal with. The Portable Flame Thrower Mark 1, was in use from the beginning of the war. It weighed about 32kg (70lb) and had a range (under good conditions) of about 27 metres (30 yards) so you had to get close to your target to use it. Usually the man using the flamethrower was accompanied by a rifle squad for protection, because he needed to get that close to his target. The Mark 1 had an unreliable flame ignition switch which meant that sometimes the soldiers had to light it with matches or burning paper. It had 2 tanks, one for fuel and one for compressed hydrogen, which provided the propulsion for the fueld. In 1943 two new versions were developed, the M1A1 which was mainly used in Europe, and the M2-2, which replaced the old M1 in the Pacific. Not only did the M2-2 use a heavier fuel mixture for better range (up to 37 metres - 40 yards) but it also had a more reliable ignition switch. It was basically the same design as the M1 and weighed about the same. The fuel capacity was about 18 litres (4 Imperial gallons), the same as the M1. Carrying a flamethrower was never popular, as rifle fire hitting either the fuel or hydrogen tanks usually resulted in the whole thing exploding and not only engulfing the operator in flame, but also anyone close by. Despite this, during the Pacific war flamethrowers were found to be the ideal weapon for clearing caves, bunkers and dug outs used by the Japanese. Hope this helps a bit. __________________ "If a man does his best, what else is there?" - General George S. Patton (1885-1945) "The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his." - General George Patton (1885-1945)
A usual flamethrower tema composed of two flamethrowers and two BAR (Browning Automatic Rifle)-equipped soldiers. The flamethrower was in a very dangerous position since he drew a lot of enemy fire, along snipers he is one of the most feared soldiers by the enemy. regards/ daniel
Thanks! I'm really trying to learn about WWII and all your guy's research really helps as I read through all the posts in all the different topics. The information on the flamethrowers was very helpful. I appreciate all the knowledge and input very much.
My gramps told a story about going into a cave just after in had been flamed out. He said they pulled the canteens full of Saki off of the dead japanese and drank it, still hot from the flames.
I was always told that being a flamethrower operator was just about the worst job going. Not only did you attract the attention of everyone on the other side but your own side tended to avoid you too! I heard this from a Fallschirmjager vet. who said he refused ever to carry one!!!
I know my grampa hated having the job. He said he'd never opened fire so vehemently on a cave until his buddy (front rifleman) was killed by a sniper. I guess there were one or two snipers in the cave and virtually nothing was left by the time my grampa was done (according to him). He hated the job more because the rifelman took the brunt of getting him through to the caves.
HI GG, my uncle also fought in the Pacific and also operated a Flamethrower. He never talked about it. He passed away about 18 months ago.
Thank you--my Uncle did lead a hard life. He lied about his age when he joined the Army before ww2 began. His experiances led him to drink heavily, and he had nightmares for many years after the war. He only told me a few stories. One was when he and his unit were on Okinawa--his Company--what was left of it) was holding a position. He was with two other buddies in their own foxhole. Sometime during the night--a Japanese forcr infiltrated his immediate units positions--they had slit the throats of most of the men--including thw throats of his two buddies that he was sleeping in between. A few days later--only he and one other man from his unit made it back.
