1938 Radio News 1938-05-16- First Air Raid Drill in USA

Summary

Summary of “Harold's Old Time Radio” Episode: 1938 Radio News – First Air Raid Drill in USA

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a captivating episode titled "1938 Radio News – First Air Raid Drill in USA," which meticulously details the United States' inaugural air raid simulation conducted on May 16, 1938. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive glimpse into the nation's early air defense strategies, highlighting the collaboration between military forces and civilians during a critical drill aimed at enhancing national preparedness.

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1. Introduction to the Air Raid Drill

The episode opens with a Military Narrator setting the stage for what is touted as the most intensive aerial maneuver undertaken by the United States Army Air Corps up to that time.

Quote:

“In just a few moments, nine of Uncle Sam's most powerful bombers will sweep out of the southeast in two separate flights...” [00:30]

This simulation targets military objectives in Farmingdale, a strategic location chosen for its two major aircraft factories, underscoring the significance of protecting industrial assets during wartime.

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2. Coordination Between Military and Civilian Populations

A key component of the drill is the active participation of the local civilian population. The residents of Farmingdale are instructed to execute a blackout, extinguishing all lights within a five-mile radius to obscure visibility from the simulated enemy bombers.

Quote:

“The citizens have been drilling for this maneuver and been drilled by officers from the nearby General Headquarters Air Force Base at Mitchell Field and will immediately extinguish their lights...” [00:30]

Sirens from the firehouse and the New York State College of Agriculture alert the populace, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated communication in national defense.

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3. Military Operations and Defensive Measures

The narrative delves into the operational aspects of the drill, detailing the roles of the 36th Pursuit Squadron of the 3rd Wing and the 62nd Coast Artillery. These units are primed to respond swiftly to the simulated attack, deploying searchlights and anti-aircraft batteries to counter the incoming bombers.

Quotes:

“From atop the fire station over in Farmingdale... And the pursuit planes are quickly off in the air to defend this field.” [00:30]

“The searchlight and anti aircraft batteries of the 62nd Coast Artillery are in readiness to go into action...” [00:30]

The use of radio is emphasized as a vital tool for disseminating warnings and coordinating a rapid military response.

Quote:

“Our warning signals were transmitted tonight by radio... indicates the effectiveness of radio in situations such as this.” [14:23]

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4. Pilot’s Perspective on the Drill

A pivotal segment features a Pilot Narrator providing an eyewitness account from within one of the simulated enemy bombers. Flying at 8,000 feet, the pilot describes the challenges of navigating during a blackout and the strategic use of magnesium flares to illuminate targets.

Quotes:

“Taking from the navigator seat of one of the six P18 Douglas bombers... scanning the dark countryside below.” [05:55]

“They’re dropping down several of them. And those flares are beginning to illuminate the ground like daylight...” [05:55]

The pilot's description offers a vivid portrayal of aerial combat maneuvers and the critical importance of accurate target identification under blackout conditions.

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5. Execution of the Blackout and Attack Simulation

As the drill progresses, the broadcast details the systematic approach to the blackout and the simulated attack, highlighting the precision and coordination required to execute such a large-scale operation.

Quote:

“There goes the first flare now dropped from the bomber... They’re dropping right over the town.” [05:55]

The illumination from the flares and the subsequent activation of anti-aircraft defenses demonstrate the effectiveness of the coordinated response between civilian actions and military strategies.

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6. Lessons Learned and Strategic Insights

Concluding the drill, Colonel W.H. Frank of the GHQ Air Force provides an analytical perspective on the outcomes and lessons derived from the exercise.

Quotes:

“We have learned much. We know now the proportions of these problems... can be employed for the blackout of more extensive areas.” [14:23]

“One thing we have learned is that radio is an indispensable medium... indicates the effectiveness of radio in situations such as this.” [14:23]

Colonel Frank emphasizes the successful collaboration between military units and civilians, the scalability of defense measures, and the critical role of radio communication in ensuring a swift and organized response during air raid scenarios.

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7. Conclusion of the Drill and Final Remarks

The Military Narrator wraps up the broadcast by reflecting on the success and significance of the drill, marking it as a foundational step in the United States' air defense preparedness.

Quote:

“The first practice air raid and drill... staged by the General Headquarters Air Force... the Mutual Network has described this exciting event from both land and sky.” [16:21]

This concluding segment underscores the historical importance of the drill, serving as a testament to the nation's early efforts in establishing a robust air defense system and fostering effective civilian-military cooperation.

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8. Historical Significance

This episode not only serves as an informative recount of a pivotal moment in American military history but also captures the nation's pre-World War II sentiments and the proactive measures taken to safeguard critical infrastructure. Through engaging narration and firsthand accounts, Harold's Old Time Radio effectively transports listeners to an era where radio was the primary medium for disseminating crucial information, illustrating the foundational strategies that would later be vital during global conflicts.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “In just a few moments, nine of Uncle Sam's most powerful bombers will sweep out of the southeast in two separate flights...” [00:30]
• “The citizens have been drilling for this maneuver and been drilled by officers from the nearby General Headquarters Air Force Base...” [00:30]
• “Our warning signals were transmitted tonight by radio... indicates the effectiveness of radio in situations such as this.” [14:23]
• “Taking from the navigator seat of one of the six P18 Douglas bombers... scanning the dark countryside below.” [05:55]
• “We have learned much. We know now the proportions of these problems...” [14:23]
• “The first practice air raid and drill... staged by the General Headquarters Air Force...” [16:21]

This structured and detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a thorough understanding of the first air raid drill in the USA and its implications for national defense strategies.

Transcript

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[Military Narrator]

In just a few moments, nine of Uncle Sam's most powerful bombers will sweep out of the southeast in two separate flights, one at an altitude of 4,000ft and the other at 15,000ft in simulated attack on military objectives in this vicinity. This attack will be the climax of the most intensive aerial maneuvers ever undertaken by the United States Army Air Corps. From our vantage point here at the Seversky Field, the Air Defense headquarters of the Third Wing under the command of Brigadier General Frederick L. Martin, the Special Features Division of the Mutual Network will bring you a description of the exciting events which are to take place in the next few minutes from the Defense headquarters on the ground and from the giant bombers themselves. Mutual will show peacetime America how the civilian population can cooperate with the military in defense against enemy air raids. A half mile away, the town of Farmingdale is a blaze of light which, although in the center of a rich farming area in time of war, would be a strategic military focal point for air raids because of two great aircraft factories which border this field. However, at the first sound of the approaching enemy air fleet, sirens atop the firehouse in Farmingdale and the nearby New York State College of Agriculture will shriek a warning to the entire population. The citizens have been drilling for this maneuver and been drilled by officers from the nearby General Headquarters Air Force Base at Mitchell Field and will immediately extinguish their lights, plunging the circular area within a diameter of 5 miles into complete darkness in an endeavor to save from destruction these two factories which manufacture planes for our Air Corps. During the maneuver, Farmingdale will be defended by the 36 Pursuit Squadron of the 3rd Wing. Nine of these planes are now resting on the field before us and at the sound of the warning siren they will take to the air. From this inky black field with nothing but the light of the moon to guide the pilots across the field, searchlight and anti aircraft batteries of the 62nd Coast Artillery are in readiness to go into action to repeal the invading air fleet. The scene therefore at air defense headquarters is one of tents and watchful waiting. And a half mile away, quiet civilian population goes into its usual unusual evening activity. And now here at 10:32 is the warning order given by the air defense commander, Brigadier General Frederick H. Martin of the third wing. To all defense establishments in the air defense area. The following message just received at air defense headquarters from our warning net station at Lake Rona. High flying formation believed to be enemy bombers now passing over, headed west. All defense establishments on the alert. All lights out in the air defense area go into action. When the enemy appears. Pursuits take off at once. And now we hear the sirens coming from atop. From atop the fire station over in Farmingdale. And we see the platoon of magnificent search lights. 800 million candle power search lights shining up in the air, given three beams telling the people in Farmingdale and in that five mile area to turn off their lights and get ready. Now the planes are taking off. Nine pursuit planes. We've seen one, two. Now here goes the fourth and the fifth. These magnificent lights shining up in. In the air, meeting each other high miles overhead. Now we see number six of the plane, followed by number seven. And the pursuit planes are quickly off in the air to the. To defend this field. I want to call to your attention that Farmingdale is not being defended. But the attack tonight will be on the area. The area housing these two great airplane factories. Now we see the planes go up over above us. Lights are all extinguished. No lights any place within this whole section of the country. And so now a real simulation, a real simulation of war as these planes go up overhead tonight. A beautiful and an ideal night for these maneuvers. Just a short time ago, Brigadier General Martin told us that it was a perfect night, a fine night for flying. And now we see the planes go up above, still flying with lights, getting ready now to meet the enemy. The enemy planes flying higher overhead. Now located on Seversky Field are the following air Defense installments. The 36 Pursuit Squadron. The 62nd Coast Artillery, Anti Warcraft and the firing battery and Searchlight platoon. Now the. Now the pursuit plane flying overhead. We can just barely see the light of one of them. And we see some of the bombers coming at a great distance, coming close for the battle. Yes, flying at a great distance. Now coming. Now coming from the east is one of the six bombers flying at the altitude of 4,000ft and coming into us. And of course coming to the one main objective, the air factory. 200 by 400ft. And the attempt will be to Dart upon this factory bombs of £600. Now we see the planes getting ready to meet. And now with the maneuver well underway to bring you a description of this raid from the enemy in the sky, we take you to an attacking bombing plane rumbling its way through the Long island night.

[Pilot Narrator]

This is their first goal. Taking from the navigator seat of one of the six P18 Douglas bombers comprising this reconnaissance fleet flying at an altitude of 8,000ft over a mile and a half above the earth where it's 45 have seen a couple planes flying with players into down below us. The two parents sitting at the control directly ahead of me appearing through the glass of the cockpit canopies are scanning the dark countryside below. A problem of finding the objective that is Saski Field is complicated by the fact the community is situated in the midst of open field, formerly dark. The actual objective occupies but a minute portion of this blackout area with a diameter of five miles. Flying above us at an altitude of 15,000ft. More than two and a half miles of the ships of the seventh squadron which tonight have flown down from their base in Har, Connecticut to represent the enemy. Our task is to locate and eliminate the objective so that the bombers of may take accurate sights on the two aircraft factories the and Gruben plant. Of course during this maneuver pans will be dropped but high speed army cameras are focused through the bombing site will reveal what would have happened during an actual race to head up the ground below and expose the objective. The reconnaissance group has got powerful magnesium flares attached to small parachutes. As soon as they navigate us at the exact location these players floating car will provide a brilliant compremicability. For a period of about 10 minutes they haven't dropped the flares and we're swinging away on the objective which we started a moment ago. We saw the lake to Farmingdale go off. As yet when the warning raid warning signal of the air raid was sounded. Well off to the north of that dark area which is surrounded by a fringe of lights representing motor cars and sightseers perhaps on the highways around Farmingdale. A great throng of sightseers from New York and surrounding communities came out tonight to see the first air raid blackout drill in the history of the United States. We're still waiting to sight the flares which will be dropped by the reconnaissance planes below us just as soon as they get near that particular spot that they want. Our two great motors here spitting out blue flame and we've climbed up to our prescribed height of 8,000ft. They've been booming along at about 220 miles an hour. Circling over this area for about 15 or 20 minutes. Waiting for our other planes to catch up to us. As yet, no flares have been dropped. We're peering out of our window here in this navigator seat. Looking out over the broad expanse of this wing. And waiting to see this demonstration. It was truly remarkable to see the light snap out as one. And the searchlights of the 62nd Coast Artillery go into action. And warn the citizens of Farmingdale that this air raid was officially on. One can hardly imagine that this sort of thing is taking place in the United States. Because, as we told you. It is the first time that such a maneuver has ever been held by the Army Air Corps. And it is the climax of these great maneuvers which have. There goes the first flare now dropped from the bomber. Over to our left. They're dropping down several of them. And the parachutes are opening gently. And those flares are beginning to illuminate. And down on the ground I'm sure that they can see them coming down. It looks like a whole building coming down. They're dropping out in twos, two flares at a time. As they're spewed out of the belly of one of these bombers flying alongside of us at about half a mile away. Now the string of light stretches out to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. A double row of eight great magnesium flares. Which crouch and will illuminate that ground like daylight. When they all are released. We can't quite fight the plane. Because she's flying without lights. But we can see the trail of huge flares going out behind it. As yet we haven't seen the flashes of the bears. Or the flashes of the anti aircraft guns below down at Seversky Field. And they are trying to take sights on these invisible planes flying without light. There go the flashes. And if you don't think this looks like China or Spain. You're crazy, because it does. Thank goodness it is the United States. There go more magnesium flares out of the bombers. Over to our left and far above us, at 15,000ft, 7,000ft above our location. Alert those tremendous bombers. Similar to the one in which we're flying. Which can drop 3,200 pounds of explosives on that objective. Seversky Field and its surrounding plants. Its great planes weigh about 13 tons of bells. And carry 3200 pounds of explosives. There goes a great string of lights out now, falling gently. There's hardly any wind tonight. And they're dropping right over the town. And from here we can see the town begin to take shape at this great height of 8,000ft. Right off our wing now lies Farmingdale. A community which is on guard point is right from the skies. And the great players continue to spew out of those planes. Dropping out of the giant belly underneath where bombs are normally carried. There are some hundred players be dropped. Just for a moment, we've lost sight of the searchlights and antiaircraft batteries. Now we do see them again. And the whole ground is lighted up just as if there were giant searchlight planes from the air. You can pick out that surrounding area very plainly. And I'm sure that the bombers high above us. Can take accurate sight through their bomb racks and take the photographs which will prove that the United States Army Air Corps. Is one of the most effective in the entire world. And should it be called upon to do this sort of work, it could do it. And it could repel such an invasion. Just perhaps as these pursuit planes that kicked off from the field a few minutes ago could do. What a picturesque sight now as these players begin to drop faster toward the earth as they burn out. And great streamers of smoke trail off behind. So far, no one has tried to put a straight cloud on us. But the batteries are sinking into action now for a raid at this time. Because in a war time we'd be pretty up here. But you can practically take on your attention from a large distance. And for that reason it would be a flare back for those flying up here. And as these giant Tigers swirled away and vanished as quickly as they appeared. We conclude our broadcast from the sky. Brought to you through the shortwave relay broadcast center of station WO we return you to Air Defense Headquarters for an official summary of the accomplishments of this raid. The first blackout and air raid drill in American history.

[Military Narrator]

We're back on the ground now with Defense Headquarters. And we're looking at these searchlights following the enemy planes as they go overhead. And they really have the spotlight on them. And the guns are shooting away at them. And so now that it looks like the enemy is vanquished, we're going to turn you over to the Chief of staff of the GHQ Air Force, Colonel W.H. frank. And have him tell us of the lesson that he believes has been learned in these maneuvers.

[Colonel W.H. Frank]

Colonel Frank we believe that this first air raid drill, though conducted on a small scale, Is a striking forward step in the national defense of this country. Anti aircraft defense for several years has been a real concern of many European peoples. The tremendous advances in the range of aircraft in the last two Years are at this very time making this problem of air defense. A vital concern to us in this country. Farmingdale has had the distinction and the privilege of being the site for the first. First test in the United States. Where civil populations have cooperated with the military forces. In working out all the details of both active and passive air defense. Speaking for General Andrews, Commanding General of the GHQ Air Force. I wish to thank the citizens in this area which has been blacked out tonight. For their wholehearted cooperation and enthusiastic support of our problem. In these tests. We have learned much. We know now the proportions of these problems. Problems, when once worked out and solved. They can be employed for the blackout of more extensive areas. We were wise, I feel, in limiting the first test To a relatively small area. And a comparatively limited population. But the lessons learned can now be applied universally. When need shall arise. One thing we have learned is that radio is an indispensable medium. For the transfer of intelligence and information. Over a large cross section of the population. Our warning signals were transmitted tonight by radio. The split second promptness with which widely separated organizations and peoples. Met that warning with an instantaneous response. Indicates the effectiveness of radio in situations such as this. Our problem tonight concludes. The GHQ maneuvers for the northeastern section of the United States for this year. Tomorrow we have a concentration of all our widely scattered units. And on Wednesday morning we start back for our home stations. We go in the knowledge that the two weeks training we have had in this area. Will be of lasting benefit to the nation's air defense.

[Military Narrator]

Our thanks to Colonel W.H. frank, Chief of Staff of the GHQ Air Force. The lights of Farmingdale will soon begin to reappear. And the population return to normal routine. Following the first practice air raid and drill. Staged by the General Headquarters Air Force. As a climax to the extensive five day maneuver of the United States Air Corps. The Mutual Network has described this exciting event from both land and sky. This broadcast has been a presentation of the Special Features Division. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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