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10. MESSAGE TUBES

A tube used for urgent messages, about 15 in. in length, is shown in Figure 54. It is painted red, with the following German inscription in yellow lettering: Meldebüchse (Land) Fl.24575.

Then follow three German instructions, ending with the words in block letters:— UNGEFÄHRLICH (not dangerous) WICHTIGE MELDUNG! (important message) SOFORT WEITERGEBEN (forward at once)

It is opened at one end by a bayonet catch, and is notched at the other end to operate a short-delay smoke fuze. These tubes are normally used in Army co-operation duties, but they have been found in this country, usually near crashed enemy aircraft.



II. AUXILIARY PETROL TANKS

An auxiliary plywood petrol tank, sometimes jettisoned over this country, is illustrated in Figure 55. It is built up from 12-ply wood, glued together. It is torpedo-shaped with a tail fin, and has a maximum diameter of 2 ft. 7 in. and an overall length of 11 ft. 6 in. It is held to the aircraft by a rod with an eyepiece, and is steadied by four stay rods, having ball-joint ends. A vent pipe and rubber suction pipe with a fine-mesh strainer made of brass are fitted to the upper side of the tank. The German word geprüft (i.e. tested), followed by a date, may be found stencilled on it as well as "Bei Verwendung von Stutzstreben diese Platten enifernen" (when using steadying struts remove these plates).

An auxiliary petrol tank of similar shape measuring 6 ft. 6 in. by 1 ft. 8 in.., but made of aluminium and without a tail fin is also used and is illustrated in Figure 55A.

For operational reasons any petrol tanks found should be reported immediately, care being taken to preserve any petrol they may stil contain.