As a sort of spin-off from Clem's propaganda thread, I thought it might be interesting to see if we could find examples of the octopus used by the military in the form of insignia, badges or unit markings.

Here's a nice example of the RAF 206 Squadron badge that depicts a lovely octopus image due to the maritime reconnaisance function of the unit. The badge was presented to them in 1938 by King George VI and the squadron was very active in the Second World War, operating mainly Hudsons and Liberators in the North Atlantic in a convoy-protection role. It was actively involved in the hunt for the Bismarck.

206 Squadron still functions in a Coastal Command role and operates out of RAF Kinloss. The squadron currently flies Nimrod aircraft though none of its' aircraft actually display the octopus badge as the aircraft are shared between a number of different squadrons.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=708

The motto reads: Nihil nos effugit - 'Naught escapes us'.

Phil,

A very, very cool idea, this thread. The lovely Coastal Command crest is quite a bit more restrained than the United States Marine Corp's equivalent, (http://www.vmfa251.org/images/vmo251patch.jpg) developed for VMO-251. VMO-251 was formed as an observation group, conducting reconnaissance and scouting ahead of American invasion forces in the Pacific theater. Fighter and attack duties were soon added to VMO-251's slate, and the unit became VMFA-251.

The English heraldic artist got the number of arms right, but the American clearly had a bit more fun.

Off to find more.

Clem

Here we have a lovely example of the current uniform insignia awarded to divers in the Israeli Navy depicting a very stylised octopus. For divers who have been in service over 10 years there is a second badge available, not depicted here, which is the basically the same except it has a laurel wreath behind the octopus.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/Israeli_Dive_Badge.JPG

Many thanks to Lt. Cmdr Timothy Flath for letting me use this image!

Canadian Clearance Diver Home Page (http://members.tripod.com/~clearancediver/)

Phil,

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/images/miuwu-101-001.gif
MIUW Unit 101 is a United States Navy Reserve unit responsible for providing force protection (security) and logistical support (food) for elements of the fleet. Unit 101's mission profile states: "The giant red octopus, a native of Puget Sound and the Everett, WA region, signifies the coordination between numerous organizations and technologies in the support of our mission of command and control."

Wish we had an emoticon giving a crisp salute. Oh well.

Clem

Hey Phil...I just got an order for some PB-24's in 1/48th...it would be great to use that squadron insignia...do you have more info???
Thanks!
Greg

Hey Phil...I just got an order for some PB-24's in 1/48th...it would be great to use that squadron insignia...
Greg,

Have you made custom decals with scanned images? I hear it's not too hard. Not that I know anything about model airplanes.

Cough.

:roll:

Clem

Yo Greg;

I there is a ceph involved post-it!

And if there isn't, if it's really cool post it anyway.

Bet there is no squadron with an ammonite insignia.

Pity.

Greg & Phil,

I'm looking for photographs of the aircraft described by former aviator (and Pearl Harbor survivor) Dewey Duane Farmer:

The first squadron was the Octopus Squadron, twin engine Vega Ventures, light Navy bombers.* They fired a 20 or 40 millimeter canon out its nose.* The top gun turret included:* a 360-degree turret that fired twin 50 caliber, 5 crew members, pilot, co-pilot; navigator; radioman and two enlisted men gunners.

The top turret was painted to look like the head of an Octopus, and then its legs went around the body of the plane.* I volunteered for a top turret spot but was turned down.

Mr. Farmer was referring to the Lockheed-Vega PV-1 Ventura, a medium-bomber and anti-submarine aircaft. A full account of Mr. Farmer's naval air service can be found here. (http://www.pearlharborsurvivors.homestead.com/FarmerDewey.html)
Below is a piece of model-kit box art depicting one of the "Octopus" squadron Venturas.
http://www.daveswebshop.com/mc11615.jpg
:heee:
Clem*

Way cool!!! I will be checking in with Squadron Mail order to see if they can get that one...pity its 1/72..I like 1/48 better!
I tried the scanned image details once, and flubbed it big time...I think this time I will take it a copy shop, and have them do it the right way...
If you have any more pics of that squadron, it would be great if you could post them!
Thanks all!
Greg

Clem,

I think I have got what you wanted!

I have tried to find out the history of VPB-150 squadron It can be briefly summarised as follows:

VB-150was established at NAS Alameda in California on 15th September 1943 and was initially equipped with PV-1 Venturas. It retained this name until 1st October 1944 when the unit was designated VPB-150. The squadron was stationed at Kaneohe Bay from 25 March 1944 where the aircraft were modified with rocket rails and chin guns attached. The unit first saw action im July 1944 after it was redeployed to the Gilbert islands where it proceded to attack Japanese ground targets and installations in the Marshall Islands. It was again relocated to the Mariana Islands on 28th August and continued to fly reconnaissance and patrol flights, radar survey flights and bombing attacks on Japanese bases in the Pagan Islands. It remained based in the Mariana islands performing combat operations until March 1945 when it was relocated back to California. The unit was disbanded in July 1945 shortly after it had started to re-equip with PV-2 aircraft.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/VPB-150.JPG


The emblem of the squadron was a cartoon style demented looking octopus holding various forms of armaments.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/VPB_emblem.JPG

As can be seen from this set of model kit decals, the octopus, which was centered around the top turret, had only six arms.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/VPB-150_decals.JPG

Many thanks to Mr Jack Sullivan for the use of the Ventura photograph.

US Navy Patrol Squadrons (http://www.vpnavy.org/index1.html)

Hmmm the pic of the plane looks like it has eight...I wonder if they got the decals wrong??
Fascinating stuff...and a new modeling project! Yaaaaay!!! :D
Looking into finding a Ventura in 1/48th next...
Greg

The lovely Coastal Command crest is quite a bit more restrained than the United States Marine Corp's equivalent, (http://www.vmfa251.org/images/vmo251patch.jpg) developed for VMO-251. VMO-251 was formed as an observation group, conducting reconnaissance and scouting ahead of American invasion forces in the Pacific theater. Fighter and attack duties were soon added to VMO-251's slate, and the unit became VMFA-251.




In addition to the VMO-251 emblem you have shown us here, it seems that the unit also painted a winged-octopus underneath the cockpit of their aircraft. The unit mainly operated photo-reconnaissance Wildcats (F4F-7) in the Pacific theatre. The items the octopus is holding depicts the various functions of the squadron.

This is an example of such a painting, though it is an 'unofficial' design and dates from the Guadalcanal campaign:

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/VMF-251patch.JPG

More information on this squadron is available here:

History of VMF-251 (http://www.vmfa251.org/articles/251_history_albright.htm)

And another one for you.

This is the emblem of the USMC Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron - 11, named the 'Devilfish' , which is apparantly the oldest and largest squadron in the US Marine Corps.

This unit was also active in the Pacific theatre in World War Two, was deployed in Vietnam and also in Iraq during Desert Storm. Currently some units of Devilfish are stationed in Iraq.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/MALS-11_insignia.JPG

Hmmm the pic of the plane looks like it has eight...I wonder if they got the decals wrong??

Greg,

You're absolutely right, the photo and the decals don't match up. The decal-set must represent another aircraft of the squadron. The recent glut of WWII themed movies, videos and books has encouraged many veterans to dig out their prints and negatives, with many previously unknown examples of a/c camouflage and decoration coming to light. The eight-armed PV-1 in the photo is more visually impressive than the six-armed version, so the photo may have been "discovered" after the model decals were produced.

The emblem of the squadron was a cartoon style demented looking octopus holding various forms of armaments.

Phil,

That's a wonderful emblem; the quality of the illustration makes me wonder if professionals weren't involved. (At least one example of WWII a/c "nose art" was a Disney gremlin cooked-up by Walt's artists for the sole purpose of decorating aircraft: it was not an extant Disney character.)

Thanks for these fantastic illustrations and photos.

Clem

Here's an emblem reputedly worn on the conning towers of two German U-boats (U-330 and U-114), during WWII.

http://home.t-online.de/home/sgaertner/9u330.jpg

I talked with a client a few weeks ago about doing a large scale U-boat (1/72) and was kind of hmmm/hawing the whole thing...but that pic may have changed my mind!!!!
These pics you two keep on finding are awesome...thank you sooo much! :notworth:
Greg

Here's an emblem reputedly worn on the conning towers of two German U-boats (U-330 and U-114), during WWII.

Hmmm.....this is deeply strange. I've checked out U-Boat.net (http://uboat.net/) to try and find out some information and images of these boats but it appears that neither was constructed. U-114 was ordered in January 1939 at A.G.Weser, Bremen, but the order was suspended the following September. Similarly the Type VIIC U-330 was laid down at Flender-Werk, Lubeck on 3rd August 1943 but the construction was suspended on the 30th September and cancelled completely in July 1944. The octopus logo, if genuine, must have been a projected bootswappen.

What is particularly confusing is that the site dedicated to the career of Kapitanleutnant Stefan Michael Grabowski (http://home.t-online.de/home/sgaertner/9grabo.htm) depicts a photo of the Type II U-330 The Octopus underway at sea on its way to Brest in November 1939. Another photo depicts the submarine in dry dock. I don't think that U-numbers were swapped between vessels so I'm not sure exactly was going on here.

I have found one other reference to a U-boat depicting an octopus but, unfortunately, no image. This is from the 'Navy Department, Report on the Interrogation of Survivors of U-595' :

"U-595 left Kiel for her first war cruise on Thursday, July 23, 1942. She was in the company of a 1600-ton supply U-boat said to be commanded by an Oberleutnant Vogel. (ONI Note: It is possible that this Kapitänleutnant (Lieutenant) Viktor Vogel, who was previously thought to command U-588, but who may have been transferred.) This boat had an octopus painted on its c/t."

Unfortunately the article does not record the number of this supply U-boat.

.....the quest continues.......

those wacky Germans! :lol:
Just the idea of the octo on the side of the conning tower is a good one, anyway...besides, the model is just for a movie prop, and we all know how realistic movies are!
Greg

Hey, just had a fun idea...how about a Tonmo logo on the side also???Now THAT would be great!!!!
Greg

Hey, just had a fun idea...how about a Tonmo logo on the side also???Now THAT would be great!!!

Hmmm.....Grossadmiral Tony Morelli, Kapitan zur See Steve von Shea und Fraulein Tintenfisch? Leutnant WeissKiboko?

Not convinced. :D

The USS Drum, an American submarine from WWII, has an octo for a mascot. The USS Drum is currently at the USS Alabama Memorial park, in Mobile Alabama. If youre ever in Mobile, Check it out its a great place to spend an afternoon. The attatchments are of the USS Drum logo, a patch from the ship, the logo painted on the ship with Japanese sink markers, the logo as drawn by Walt Disney, and a picture of her back in the day!

lightningflask,

:notworth:

Outstanding material, sir. USS Drum looks to be in fine trim, and the Disney rendering of the "device" is great fun. How many military insignia did the House of Mouse draw, I wonder? Were they executed as stock characters to be used in the services, or were they requested by units in the field?

Clem

What is particularly confusing is that the site dedicated to the career of Kapitanleutnant Stefan Michael Grabowski (http://home.t-online.de/home/sgaertner/9grabo.htm) depicts a photo of the Type II U-330 The Octopus underway at sea on its way to Brest in November 1939. Another photo depicts the submarine in dry dock. I don't think that U-numbers were swapped between vessels so I'm not sure exactly was going on here.

Phil,

I share your pain, having checked the same references. The reference to the kriegspolypen appearing on the conning tower of a supply U-boat is intriguing; such usage would be in keeping with octopus emblems worn by units involved in supply, maintenance and other support tasks, such as Marine VMFA-251 and Navy Unit 101. (There's also a reference to a support unit of the USAAF 381st BG that had an octopus mascot, but I've yet to find an image.) Interesting that octopus could be associated with relatively benign, nurturing activities, as well as with belligerence.

As for the Germans, well, the kraken association alone should have produced a few octopus emblems on U-boats plying the North Atlantic.

Yours truly,

Clem

Disney did produce many insignias foor our boys in WWII, some pics and info is at http://www.skylighters.org/disney/ TThere is a book called disney dons dog tags that is on this subject, if anyone knows more it would be very interesting to find out about!

Gentlemen,

This topic gets more and more interesting, it's starting to occupy far too much of my time.

Lightningflask,

Those are great pictures from USS Drum and thankyou for taking the time to find and post them. Also, thanks for the Disney information, that's a fascinating page you have linked to. Are you aware of this film that Disney produced: Der Fuehrer's Face (http://www.geocities.com/derfuehrerspage/dff.htm)? Disney has banned the distribution and showing of this film featuring Donald Duck forced to work in a Nazi munitions factory. Pity that Disney is worried that they might be seen to depict fascism in a negative context. But I digress.......

Clem,

I'm worried about the whole Grabowski site in general. Practically none of the details seem to check out on U-boat.net. I'm not going to state that the facts presented there are fictitious but I would like to find some verification of the details. U-boat.net does have a seemingly utterly comprehensive catalogue of U-Boat insignia available but you have to subscribe at $45 pa to join the indepth sections.

If anyone wants to volunteer to join to find octopus emblems and verify the existence of U-330 , then I'm sure Clem and myself would be very grateful!

oh, this thread is interesting indeed, by the way anyone here that was enrolled in the navy. :?: :?:

Disney has banned the distribution and showing of this film featuring Donald Duck forced to work in a Nazi munitions factory. Pity that Disney is worried that they might be seen to depict fascism in a negative context. But I digress...

But, Phil, if we didn't digress, we just wouldn't be TONMO.

I'm worried about the whole Grabowski site in general. Practically none of the details seem to check out on U-boat.net. I'm not going to state that the facts presented there are fictitious but I would like to find some verification of the details.

Is it possible that the Grabowski stuff is part of a U-boat online simulation, or a fictional scenario ala "Luftwaffe 1946?" Using canceled or incomplete boats would make a bit of sense in such a context. Perhaps herr Grabowski is just a research-happy gamer from Brest?

:roll:

Clem

Oh, this is going to be fun...just wait for the U-boat "Titenfisch" (sic) with a nice big Kraken emblem on it..
Pics to come soon!!! :D
Greg

Some one asked if anyone was enrolled in the navy...

I am currently enlisted, stationed at Shore Intermediate Maintenence Activity (SIMA) Pascagoula, Mississippi. I am really enjoying this thread.

The client seems to be very warm to the idea of the U-Titenfisch concept...now if we can just agree on a $$ value!! :D
I agree...this thread is just plain great!
Greg

http://home.t-online.de/home/sgaertner/9u330.jpg

The image above, previously associated with two different (and non-operational) German U-boats, has also been associated with a submarine that was verifiably operational: U-621. (http://www.ubootwaffe.net/ops/boat.cgi?boat=621) Does anyone have access to documentation pertaining to this boat? If she was the carrier of the Tintenfisch emblem, Greg might just have a new modelling project on his hands.

:idea:

Clem

Looks like it is going to a "go" on the submarine...thanks all for the info...I will be asking all of you for a ton of info soon!
Greg

I have found one other reference to a U-boat depicting an octopus but, unfortunately, no image. This is from the 'Navy Department, Report on the Interrogation of Survivors of U-595' :

"U-595 left Kiel for her first war cruise on Thursday, July 23, 1942. She was in the company of a 1600-ton supply U-boat said to be commanded by an Oberleutnant Vogel...This boat had an octopus painted on its c/t."

Guys,

I think I've found it:

http://uboat.net/photos/flak4.jpg

That's U-462, (http://www.ubootwaffe.net/ops/boat.cgi?boat=462) a Type XIV "Milk Cow" re-supply boat built at Kiel, commissioned 5 March 1942. She displaced over 1600 tons above water. Though indistinct, the emblem on the conning tower does appear to be an octopus.

Can anybody pull more detail out of the photograph, or direct us to more images of U-462?

Clem

Clem,

With so little to go on, that's an outstanding find. Well done, sir!

I cannot find any more confirmed photos of the U-462, but here is a couple of images of a crewmans cap from U-462. I think, but am not sure, that this is a warrant officers grade Schirmmutze. Interesting to see the octopus logo repeated here, though it was common practice for U-boat crews to place an image of their boats' insignia on the left behind the peak.

The octopus appears to be of the same design as that painted on the exterior of the boat.

Schirmmutze from U-462 (http://www.majorplm.com/collections/Coll-G-Headgear/U462cap/U462-cap.html)

Some one asked if anyone was enrolled in the navy...

I am currently enlisted, stationed at Shore Intermediate Maintenence Activity (SIMA) Pascagoula, Mississippi. I am really enjoying this thread.
Me too. And thank you for your service!

:usa:

Oh my god !!! Thank you Clem and Phil...that is absolutely fantastic!!! It is perfect! The 14's have a flak gun behind the conning tower, and I have been waiting for a project with that in it also (my favorite gun system...always wanted to do a superdetailed one)...AWESOME!!!!
You two are certainly founts of info...thanks! The client is extremely impressed too!
I will post pics as work commences, progresses...etc.
Greg

Been meaning to post this for a while; I think it's a badge from a Russian naval/dive unit. As for the source, well, if you say the name of a fuzzy stinging insect in pig Latin, you've got it. :roll:

Tintenfisch,

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about. A parachute, SCUBA gear, and gladiator accessories...and a paddle. I've seen Russian SPETSNAZ (Special Forces) unit patches decorated with orcas and mantas, but never an octopus.

:notworth:

Clem

the downward sword seems to be a common theme in soviet symbols.... included are pics of one of my soviet pocket watches (this one is MVD - roughly equivilent to fbi) and my business card holder with the kgb emblem....

it wouldnt surpirse me if it was spetsnaz, but the soviets/russians only had about 8k marines, so any emblem, particularly of the more obscure units would be hard to call...

anyone know cyrillic?

WK, this is a strange coincidence. My watch is a Vostok made Soviet military watch too. Oddly the design is very similar to yours with a sword laid across a steel shield with a Soviet Star containing a hammer and sickle and is a KGB issue. I suspect, but am not sure, that yours is the same, perhaps MBA is a commercialised version for the western market of 'KGB' (sounds silly, but my keyboard does not reproduce St. Cyrill's script). {I'm probably completely wrong, by the way}

Interesting, despite the lack of cephs.

Please everyone, don't let this become a watch comparision thread, unless they have octopi, teuthids or ammonites on them (or KGB!). :)

Hm, I guess I assumed that to be a dive knife... but it does bear a certain resemblance to the swords in the other designs.

i found two patches....one is for the uss nautilus, the other for uss kraken.... i must admit the kraken patch is quite disappointing...

apparently the nautilus is a wwii or earlier version given that it lack the 'n' after the 'ss'

WK,

That Nautilus patch will raise some hackles: the artist confused the nautilus with a snail. Yes, that Kraken patch is disappointing. We could do better. :wink:

Pre-WWII, there were two United States Navy submarines named [/i]Cuttlefish,[/i] SS-11 and SS-171. I can't find insignia for either vessel, unfortunately.

Clem

http://www.stratofortress.org/imagesm/43bwgs.jpg

Above is a patch worn by crews of the US Strategic Air Command's 43rd Bombardment Wing, assigned to Andersen AFB, Guam. This unit was one of two to field squadrons equipped with the AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missile, carried by the B-52G Stratofortress bomber. The "Giant Squid" on the patch is getting ready to toss a Harpoon.

:goofysca:

Clem

Very cool!!! I am still waiting on the delivery of the sub...delay,delay,delay...

Greg,

Are you building your "Tintenfisch" from an injection-molded or resin kit, or will it be scratchbuilt from plans?

Can't wait to see how it comes together.

Clem

revell germany just came out with a 1/72nd scale uboat that is convertible to the milk-ship...they keep on telling me they will be shipping soon...but...
Scale shipyard has large fiberglass hulls available, but the amount of work needed to modify them would be massive, depending on the delivery date for the injection from germany, though, I may have to use it!!!
Will keep allyall posted...
Greg

still waiting on the 1/72 from germany...the 1/48 hull is 300. , which puts it out of the budget when completed...bummer.
Lots of changes to do to the hull when it arrives also...yikes.
For those of you that are interested:
http://www.scaleshipyard.com
Greg

Greg,

I've now seen some photos of a test-shot that Revell Germany showed to a Hamburg modeling club, and the 1/72 boat looks very fine.

Operation Octopus (http://www.mil.be/navycomp/ops/index.asp?LAN=E&PLACE=2) was a joint-effort between the Belgian and Dutch navies to police the Persian Gulf for mines. The operation ran from September 1987 to June 1988. I'm looking to see if a nifty patch or emblem was drawn up. An octopus would make an excellent minesweeping mascot.

Clem

Hey, Phil and Colin :
I keep on reading about a device used by HMS destroyers of all classes..."squids" but no data on what the heck it is. Seems to be anti-submarine, but can't seem to find any hard reference to it on this side of the pond...any ideas over there???
Greg

Hi Greg,

I think you maybe thinking of this, the Squid Mortar (http://www3.sympatico.ca/hrc/haida/squid.htm).

This was an anti-submarine system firing six mortars ahead of the ship. Versions seemed to be used from the early fifties to early seventies as far as I can tell.

That's gotta be it ! Thanks Phil! I have this reference book on destroyers, and it mentions a lot of weapons without any facts (like, I am already supposed to know what it is) frustrating!
I also like the next page...the 3" 50 guns...wow!
Greg

Greg & Phil,

Squid Mortar! I love it, but not as much as I love the Squid Handling Room.

Click here (http://mars.ark.com/~mdf/N_29.html) and scroll down. There's a nifty Regia Aeronatutica Nieuport biplane with a black octopus on the side. I've looked in vain for photographs. Maybe you guys will have better luck.

:sink:

Clem

"chuckle" about the squid handling room...I guess that is where S.O'S. would be on a destroyer, eh? :lol:
Way cool #29...I have never seen that pattern before...very interesting!!!
Still no word on the verdamnt sub...I wonder if it was all just a dream? :x
Greg

Started a scratch-build last week...a 1946 Danish river/coastal patrol boat...here is a thumbnail sketch for the beastie:
Still no word on the sub. I am about to give up!
Greg

still no uboat...yikes! I did get a 1/72nd scale s-boat finished...

Greg,

:notworth:

Your S-boat is a beauty. I'd dare to ask how you achieved the metallic finish on those torpedoes, but I want to live.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=2099

"Like an Octo, but O-ho!" is my riff on the emblem worn by aircraft of the Luftwaffe's Jagdgeschwader 400, operators of one of WWII's most radical weapons: the rocket-powered Messerschmitt Me-163 Komet interceptor. The original Jg 400 emblem is shown below, photographed on a replica Me-163b displayed at the Planes of Fame Museum, in Chino, California.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=2098

I Photoshopped the new Geschwaderzeichen onto an old photograph of a pre-production Me-163, with test pilot Rudy Opitz settling into the cockpit. Click here (http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=2097) to see the result, and to see just how flea-like the Komet really was.

Clem

Sorry to jump in, I actully have a kracken tattoo will post in supporters photos!

We could do better.
WE CAN DO BETTER!!! 8) :roll:

That kicks rear end, Clem!!! Very great take off...(pardon the pun) what an interesting rocket plane that was...must have been one heck of a ride! Have you seen the "huckbein"? (could be sic, it has been a while) Those wacky germans!
I use testor's metalizer finishes for most of my metalwork on plastic...that and metal foils...love that gleam!
Greg

OK, not an image but an incident.

Just unearthed this interesting tale of a giant squid that was reported to have been hit by fire from a Ju.87 Stuka during the abortive Dieppe landing on 19th August 1942. Quote from Dr. Frederick A. Aldrich:


On that eventful day one of the evacuees, Private Howard Phillips of the South Saskatchewan Regiment, was on board a British destroyer, the HMS Calpe, half a mile into the Channel. He was one of those forced to remain above deck as the ship was already filled to capacity with rescued men below. He was in an opportune location to see what was to follow. Mr. Phillips communicated to me the incidence of a giant squid surfacing after being struck by the fire from one of the dive bombers. He wrote, "At that time I was offshore of Pourville, France. There was a huge thrashing of water and a giant tentacle rose, writhing and splashing after obviously being hit. I can verify to about 25 feet being out of the water and at least 10 inches across, but of course [it was] hard to judge during the trauma of the time."

Full article available here: http://www.mun.ca/sgs/science/nov2990.html

I know what you are thinking, same as myself....but just possibly, could it have happened?????

Phil

"there are more things under heaven and earth, Horatio"....hmmm...could be possible, though. That would certainly scare the bejesus out of you !
Greg

There are reports of attacks on troops in WWII but that is the first one I've seen with good details.

Anyway on another note DARPA are looking basing new weapons on animals inclduing:

(Octo)Pie in the sky camouflage

According to the agency's 2003 strategic plan, "DARPA-supported researchers are studying how geckos climb walls and how an octopus hides to find new approaches to locomotion and highly adaptive camouflage. The idea is to let nature be a guide toward better engineering." Imagine the ink-squirting, suction-cup-covered frogman of the future!

http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2004/03/03_201.html

Mother Jones .com? Davey's mum?

Emps

Thanks for the link Emperor, very interesting reading, and somewhat scary!

I really have doubts about these apocryphal tales of downed airmen seized by giant squid and dragged to their doom whilst floating in liferafts adrift for days. It would be interesting to read eyewitness testimony, though. But why should a giant squid exhibit this behaviour? The beak is no stronger than hard rubber, certainly not capable of biting through bone, and the oesophagus is only about 1cm in diameter, I believe. In short, the animal would be utterly incapable of dismembering and digesting a human, even if it wanted to (which it wouldn't) let alone the fact that it rarely surfaces and is probably a poor swimmer. :)

Anyway, here's photographic evidence of the tale I posted above of the squid spotted during the Dieppe landings. (I should not really do this as that story is at least plausible, even if very unlikely, and this is supposed to be a sensible thread. Could not resist, sorry the pic isn't that good).

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/stuka2.jpg

:D

Phil,

Squid, Jude Law, same damn thing.

:wink:

Clem

Throughout much of 1921 and 1922, the project was shrouded in secrecy, but on December 18,1922, Dr. George de Bothezat's assistants rolled out the "Flying Octopus" for its first test at McCook Field, near Dayton, Ohio, observed closely by de Bothezat and curious onlookers in and on top of the experimental craft's hangar.

Full article:

http://www.afa.org/magazine/1990/1090octopus.asp

Emps

Check this out: while doing some research for a new hydrofoil missile boat , I came across this...look for another s- boot in my collection !
http://www.foils.org/trag.htm
cool stuff !

started another ceph based torpedoe boat...the "Warden " class coastal patrol boat (named in honour of our esteemed member, Colin, in light of his new job ) a modified modern pt boat...look at the size difference from a ww2 schnellboot to this monster ! (yep, they are the same scale)

Uh oh...is THAT a 1/72 scale u-boat kit that I am holding???? :D

Greg,

Huzzah! Does this mean the Tintenfisch will someday be slipping down the quay?

I'm heartened to see that you follow the correct procedure for anchoring a spool of blue masking tape. :wink:

Yours truly,

Clem

hehehe...works every time!
Yep...Shanlyn says I look like a kid in a candy store...this first one will be built straight-from-the box, conversion in the next one or two ( I have three on order)...so yes, the lovely Titenfisch will certainly sail!
greg

Hello Greg,

Revell Germany must love you.

The diorama-building potential is vast: boot vs. Short Sunderland, boot vs. Catalina, boot vs Liberator. Or, more peaceably, boot linking up with Blohm und Voss flying boot. The Bremen shipyard, the concrete pens of France...the possibilities are actually hurting my brain. Must medicate.

:beer:

Clem

Oh trust me...Shanlyn turned a pasty grey colour when the 1.5' x 3.5' box showed up at the door...she knows what's coming!
Hmmm...I like the idea of the flying boat especially...I was also kicking around buying a 1/72 Flower class corvette (matchbox) just to put on the wall next to the sub...ideas, ideas...
I'll join you!
:cheers:

Greg,

Here's your chance to get hold of a brass shell casing for a Squid Mortar. At least I think that's what it is.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4074&ite m=2242455207&rd=1

Phil

Cool ! I will have to run that one by the missus when she wakes up (still treading lightly after the uboat purchases...hehe)
Hoping to get started on the first one next week...yeeha! :wine:

The patch for USS Cuttlefish SS-171:

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/USS_Cuttlefish__SS-171.JPG

8) :thumbsup:

very nice...is that a Sunfish type of sub? where did you find that illo?
Inquiring minds wanna know! :D
greg

very nice...is that a Sunfish type of sub? where did you find that illo?
Inquiring minds wanna know! :D
greg

Here you go Greg, details of USS Cuttlefish:

http://www.navalships.org/cuttlefish.html

The patch image came from E-bay, that well known source of esoteria!

Thank you once again, sir ! The kits are stacking up in the closet... :D

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=2691

First commissioned in 1944 as Merchant Marine vessel Aberdeen Victory, USS Altair was re-named and commissioned as a Navy stores supply ship in 1951. The mascot on the patch holds common stores items: paint, a broom, a mop, and that precious commodity tobacco, represented by the smoking cigarette in the octo's upper right arm. Also: candy. Lots of candy. Altair spent the bulk of her service career servicing the US Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean, but took a hot detour in 1962 to re-supply vessels involved in the blockade of Cuba, during the November missile crisis. Altair was sold for scrap in 1975. A full history of the ship can be found, here. (http://www.ussaltair-aks32.org/history.htm)

:smoke:

Clem

just came across this...somewhat cephy, don't you think?
http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=RD0019

Greg,

Very cephy, indeed. And, very good camouflage, if you're sortieing against a color-blind navy. :roll:

You're not building that, too, are you?

Clem

No...my wife is of the opinion that I have enough kits to keep me busy for a while...after all, with the Tonmo in progress, and the Titenfisch beckoning, I should be quite taken!

you have to admire the cajones of ww1 pilots though...some of those camo patterns were quite wild...makes for fun painting!

Ok, so it took a while...most frustrating part? I spent well over a week detailing the inside of the cabin...to find out you can't see a damn bit of it...Shanlyn was laughing her rear off over that one. Will know better next time, I suppose...(or maybe not)
http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=3407

:notworth:

Working with a friend of mine to produce a page on the line of battleships and cruisers named "USS Miskatonic". Decided to start with the third ship built, the patrol battlecruiser BA-7, built in Arkham Shipyards in 1916, and launched in 1918. It featured three 9" guns, 8 3.25", 12 2"smoothbore, and a variety of small arms. Also unusual about this ship, was the inclusion of a W5b Albatross seaplane on a small catapault,the Miskatonic was one of the first cruisers to carry a seaplane.
Neat stuff.
http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=3469
http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=3470

:shock:

Greg, that's really cool. Is the insignia of your own design?

Also: who blessed her at the launch?

:goofysca:

Clem

No, the design is not of my own...the famous illustrator Thom Ardans did it prior to a seizure brought on by a dream in which he swears (to his doctors) that he had seen the frozen plains on Leng...
There are only a few photographs still surviving from the launch of this odd fated battlecruiser...some we are still awaiting permission from the families of the deceased to use, but this one is on public record, and can be shown:
in it we see, from left to right, :
Dr.Howard Lovecraft, author of the commencement ceremonies
Ms. Jane Brody Haskell, official bottle carrier
Mrs. Evelyn Flaumaush, wine taster
Princess Carol Smothersby of Wales (England)
Habduul Allhara'azed, safety engineer
http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=3476

:lol:

Very nice... love the logo....

OP sent this over to me this morning...
http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/download.php?id=3619

The following image is a rare picture of the 'Sherman Octopus'.

This was a late WW2 British Sherman tank adaption bridging vehicle with fore and aft ramps designed to be driven into ditches or rivers to be spanned. This was a testbed vehicle and was not used in combat. Similar to the 'Sherman Ark' but with a greater span there were two prototype designs made, one with lattice ramps and one with box girder sections.

In the event the British Churchill tank was chosen for the role of bridging vehicle probably because it was a longer vehicle (Churchill Ark), but the Sherman Arks and Octopuses were used for training and trials.

In this image the first Sherman Octopus, with girder ramps, is being crossed by a Churchill VII.

http://www.tonmo.com/phpBB/files/ShermanOctopus.png

Interesting adaptation...I gather that the high profile of the sherman's hull lent itself to project?

I found this patch,

It is supposedly a NY police diver's patch.

That's a great find, Donnerboy and thankyou! Oh, and welcome too!

(I've been meaning to get around to restoring as many of images as I can, glad you've reminded me!).

Came across this one:
Harbor Net Tenders in 1943:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y246/cthulhu77/nettenders43.jpg

Just a follow up...

I did a little looking and found some more military octo patches that I thought I would share.

I also found these.

The Kraken is a bit of a stretch. They took some liberties with him, and of course the Nautilus.