WWII German rescue buoy - photos

[MeJasonT]

Its a genius idea when you think about it, either side could use them. Whats to stop their enemy using them - unless there was a secret Enigma lock.
It would be like the Martin Baker Ejector Seat. Designed and built for the good of all. I have managed to see nearly all of the different mark's of seat working at my local air museum, there are one or two which were out of enemy aircraft. Perhaps its down to the aircraft being built in friendly countries and acquired by hostile states in arm's sales. It would make sense for the allies to destroy them but could we considering they are emblazoned with a red cross. That symbol is as important as a white flag, under the rules of engagement and the Geneva Convention it would be hard to justify blowing one up with guys inside it. Even if it was empty it would be like blowing up a fleet of empty Ambulances. Modern warfare does have a little hint as towards the occupation and workload of stretcher bearers and auxiliary support on the battle field. The modern guns are designed to lame not kill for the sole purpose of hindering the enemy's man power, if you kill an enemy combatant then he is dead that’s it - if you injure him it takes at least one other person to drag him away to safety and a second to provide covering fire. You have cost the enemy 3 men, even if it only delays their advance.

hard to tell if the cross is red or black? Nope says red on drawing.