Tanks, Planes, Boats, Military Stuff

[NWoBHM]

I mentioned Wibur Smith on the nasty food thread, which made me think about another of his books based in the First World War. Apparently Sopwith Camels had a lubrication system which did not circulate oil as I would understand modern engines do, but it burned off the oil, and the sump got progressively empty until, (I guess) the engine would seize, (but probably it ran out of fuel first?). Anyway, the oil used was Castor Oil, and as it burned off lubricating the engine, it passed these fumes back over the pilot. This had the effect of making very loose the bowels of the pilots and they were apt to poo their pants (and not from fear).

You don`t read this stuff in Wilfred Owen`s "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori"