Yellow peril

Air Classics, Nov 2000 by Emory, Eric S

I have been through NAS Norman, Oklahoma, and NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, among many Naval facilities and aircraft during my three years' tour in World War Two. and, unlike Lt. Cmdr. W. Chatham in his article "Training Adventures," I had always heard the Naval Aircraft Factory N3N biplane trainer referred to as the "Yellow Peril." Never had I heard the Boeing N2S Kaydet labeled Yellow Peril.

And for the author's edification; the WTS organization was instituted in 1940 for the purpose of assisting civilians already in flight training or who intended to enlist when facilities were available. They were enrolled and received flight training although they maintained civilian status. I believe that WTS was shut down in late 1942 or in 1943 and those who remained in that organization were urged to enlist or simply transferred to V-12A status (college enrollment for Navcads). I knew several WTS transferees in V-12A.

Incidentally, thanks so much for the Laird Turner racer replica article. The subject of the National (Cleveland) Air Races history is one of my pet activities.

Eric S. Emory

70 Maple Avenue

Katonah, NY

10536